Psalm 12

DAVID'S WORDS (1‑2). In the previous psalm, David saw the foundations failing; in this one, the faithful were vanishing from the earth (v. 1). The godly remnant was getting smaller and smaller, and David was feeling very much alone. No wonder he cried out, "HELP, LORD!"

MAN'S WORDS (3‑5). What made David conclude that godliness was on the decline? THE WAY PEOPLE SPOKE. David heard flattering words, proud words, and oppressive words, and he knew that God was displeased. In our "age of communication," are you able to discern what is true and right? When you speak, IS IT COMMUNICATION OR MANIPULATION?

GOD'S WORDS (6‑8). GOD'S WORD IS PURE, PROVED, AND PRESERVED, AND YOU CAN DEPEND ON IT. So much of what man says is cheap and temporary, BUT GOD'S WORD IS LIKE PURE SILVER THAT IS VALUABLE AND LASTING. Let your words BE CONTROLLED BY HIS WORD AND GOD WILL MAKE YOUR WORDS VALUABLE (Prov. 10:20; 25:11).

With the Word - Warren W. Wiersbe

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Nashville

"Used by permission of Thomas Nelson, Inc."

(Psa 12 NIV)

HELP, LORD, FOR THE GODLY ARE NO MORE; THE FAITHFUL HAVE VANISHED FROM AMONG MEN.* {2} Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. {3} May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue {4} that says, "We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips --who is our master?" {5} "BECAUSE OF THE OPPRESSION OF THE WEAK AND THE GROANING OF THE NEEDY, I WILL NOW ARISE," SAYS THE LORD. "I WILL PROTECT THEM FROM THOSE WHO MALIGN THEM." {6} AND THE WORDS OF THE LORD ARE FLAWLESS, LIKE SILVER REFINED IN A FURNACE OF CLAY, PURIFIED SEVEN TIMES. {7} O LORD, YOU WILL KEEP US SAFE AND PROTECT US FROM SUCH PEOPLE FOREVER. {8} The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.