Psalms 75:4
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
I said to the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:
American King James Version (AKJV)
I said to the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:
American Standard Version (ASV)
I said unto the arrogant, Deal not arrogantly; And to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:
Basic English Translation (BBE)
I say to the men of pride, Let your pride be gone: and to the sinners, Let not your horn be lifted up.
Webster's Revision
I said to the fools, Deal not foolishly; and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:
World English Bible
I said to the arrogant, "Don't boast!" I said to the wicked, "Don't lift up the horn.
English Revised Version (ERV)
I said unto the arrogant, Deal not arrogantly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:
Clarke's Psalms 75:4 Bible Commentary
I said unto the fools - I have given the idolatrous Chaldeans sufficient warning to abandon their idols, and worship the true God; but they would not. I have also charged the wicked, to whom for a season I have delivered you because of your transgressions, not to lift up their horn - not to use their power to oppress and destroy. They have, notwithstanding, abused their power in the persecutions with which they have afflicted you. For all these things they shall shortly be brought to an awful account. On the term horn, see the note on Luke 1:69.
Barnes's Psalms 75:4 Bible Commentary
I said unto the fools - To the wicked people in rebellion. Folly and wickedness in the Bible are synonymous terms, as they are identical in fact. See the notes at Psalm 14:1.
Deal not foolishly - Act not foolishly; carry not out your wicked plans. Do not pursue your schemes of wickedness and folly, for they cannot be successful, and they will only tend to involve you in ruin.
And to the wicked - The wicked people engaged in rebellion - either against a lawful human government, or against God.
Lift not up the horn - The horn is a symbol of strength. Compare Job 16:15; Daniel 7:7-8, Daniel 7:11, Daniel 7:21; Daniel 8:5, Daniel 8:8-9, Daniel 8:21. This is to be understood as the language of the person represented as speaking in the psalm - whether a prince, or whether God himself. It is counsel addressed to the wicked, that they should not attempt to put forth their strength in the accomplishment of their evil purposes. The reason given for this is stated in Psalm 75:6, namely, that success does not depend on chance, or on human power, but must come from God.
Wesley's Psalms 75:4 Bible Commentary
75:4 I said - I charged them. Deal not - Desist from your practices.Lift not up - Do not carry yourselves scornfully and maliciously.