Help, O Lord, for the godly are fast disappearing! The faithful have vanished from the earth! Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. May the Lord cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues. They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content. Our lips are our own—who can stop us?” The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.” The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation, even though the wicked strut about, and evil is praised throughout the land.
Psalms 12:1-8 NLT
Things haven’t changed much in 3000 years. David lamented how his entire generation was filled with people who endlessly lied to each other, flattered their neighbors, and violently oppressed the poor. These problems are still happening today. People use words to make worlds of deception. Flattery is growing as people seek the spotlight and the applause of the crowd. The poor continue to get poorer, and few care to solve the systematic problems.
This psalm is a cry to get on God’s side and help the oppressed. This is uncomfortable and unflattering work. This psalm is a calling to speak truth in a world of deception and flattery. God’s Word is our bedrock of truth, giving us a lamp to guide us through time, culture, and language. Make a commitment today to base your thoughts, words, and actions on the Bible.
How can you find the strength to serve those who need your help? What habits can help your life be shaped most by God’s Word?
