Psalm 12 explained: Trustworthy Words in a Lying World

No one can be trusted (vv. 1-2)

The poet feels as if loyal, honest people have disappeared, so he turns straight to the LORD for help. People flatter each other while hiding harm in their hearts, saying one thing and meaning another.

Mouths that claim to rule (vv. 3-4)

The Hebrew can be read either as a prayer that the LORD silence the flatterers and boasters, or as a statement that he will. Either way, their words "who is lord over us?" show people who think clever talk can win them anything and no one can hold them to account.

The LORD answers (v. 5)

Here the LORD speaks: because the poor are robbed and the needy groan, he will rise up and keep them safe. Scholars are unsure whether this answer was spoken aloud in worship by a priest or prophet, or is the poet quoting a promise he trusts.

Words that have been tested (v. 6)

The LORD's words are set against all the lying talk: they are like silver melted in a furnace until every impurity is burned away. "Seven times" means completely, so there is nothing false left in them.

Hope while evil still struts (vv. 7-8)

The poet trusts the LORD to guard the needy from this wicked generation. Yet the psalm ends honestly: the wicked still parade around while worthless things are praised, so the trouble is not over.

Key verse: Psalm 12:5

Something to think about

When it is hard to tell who is being honest with you, what do you lean on to decide whose words to trust?