Psalm 73 (72):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This type of expression is identified as hyperbole in Greek, a designation recognized not only by Greek grammarians but also by those of Latin. Such a rhetorical device appears in this passage from John as well as in numerous other sacred texts. For example, we see phrases like "lift up to heaven their mouths" (Psalms 72:9) and "the hairy temple of him who is stiff-necked in his iniquities" (Psalms 67:22). Scripture is replete with various other expressions and figures of speech, illustrating the richness of biblical language.

They utter praises in the heavenly realms, yet they slander God with their words, while they remain abased and their speech is grounded in earthly matters.

What is the significance of their speaking injustice in lofty places and lifting their voices to heaven? The Prophet conveys this idea: due to their wrongdoing and the absence of immediate retribution for their sins, they foolishly conclude that God does not exist. As the Prophet notes, "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalm 52:2).

It is not enjoyable for individuals to wrong others, yet they strive to pierce the heavens with their words and thoughts, much like arrows. The Prophet interprets this as acts of blasphemy against the Almighty, slander against the people of God, and the defilement of the holy sanctuary. He articulates this more explicitly in Psalm 41:4, "My tears are bread to me day and night, when I say unto you every day, Where is your God?"

When David refers to heaven, he signifies God residing in that realm, while by earth, he is referring to humanity living on this planet. He illustrates how the wicked, who thrived in their earthly situations, began to utter blasphemies against the sovereign God and directed their contempt toward fellow humans. In their time of ease and abundance, they brazenly mocked the divine and scorned all people. Among philosophers, the phrase "to put one's mouth in heaven" denotes engaging in discussions about the divine and spiritual matters, while "to walk on earth with the tongue" signifies analyzing terrestrial and human issues. Similarly, when astrologers are described as "setting their mouths in the sky," it indicates their focused curiosity about celestial phenomena, and the phrase "the tongue passes over the earth" refers to their observations of commonplace occurrences.

The Hebrew text conveys this message: They think and speak ill of those they oppress; their words stem from the arrogance of their hearts. This indicates that wicked individuals, disregarding any sense of shame and casting aside all modesty, openly proclaim their injustices and thefts. Such behavior is characteristic of thieves; yet, they also evade the constraints of the law. These men, akin to the giants and cyclopes mentioned by the Prophet, not only scorn legal authority but, in their ignorance of their own frailty, aggressively attack their neighbors, showing no understanding of moral distinctions. The phrase, from the height of their heart they speak, suggests that they unleash blasphemies against all people.

The Psalm, inspired by the Holy Spirit to David, was entrusted to Asaph, the leader of the singers, so he could express it for the encouragement of all those gathered in the presence of God. This message reminds them not to be dismayed by the prosperity of the wicked, who enjoy a life filled with pleasures and abundance, nor to despair in the face of the trials faced by the faithful, who endure poverty and various struggles. It emphasizes that both the wicked and the righteous are allotted a brief time in this world: the wicked for the enjoyment of earthly riches, while the faithful endure a life marked by sorrow. Ultimately, the fate of the wicked is eternal destruction, while the righteous shall experience everlasting joy. The Scriptures warn that those whose feet falter due to sin must turn back through repentance, holding fast to hope in the One who restores the fallen.

The mouth serves as an external tool in relation to the tongue, which lies concealed within it. Thus, words possess both outward and inward dimensions. There are individuals whose speech is so elevated and remarkable that it seems to unveil divine mysteries; to them, the saying of the Apostle is applicable. They mirror the sentiment expressed in Sirach: those skilled in speech. However, they lack the grace of the Lord, for they have been stripped of true wisdom (Sirach 37:23). These persons place their mouths in heavenly realms, yet their tongues traverse the earthly plane.