Confidence displayed in the midst of deception

Psalms 12:1–8
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

This psalm expresses David’s confidence in the words of God for deliverance in the midst of men who are full of deception. Some think he wrote it during those days when his duties kept him in Saul’s courtroom while Saul was looking for ways to kill him. Others think he wrote it during those days when he fled here, there and everywhere while Saul was chasing him. Some think he wrote it as a King in exile during those days when his son Absalom seized the throne. At any rate David certainly knew enough about deception.

The Psalmist tells us three things about this man of deception (vv.  2-4).

1. “With flattering lips and a double heart do they speak” (v. 2). He is what we would call today a “con artist". Modern history gives us an example of this in Adolf Hitler. He wrote in  his book Mein Kamf - “The greater the lie the more chance it has of being believed.”
2. “The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaketh proud things” (v.3).
3. Three proud claims are made: (v. 4)

a.  “With our tongue will we prevail” - Saying he can talk people into whatever he desires.

b.  “Our lips are our own” - Saying no one can control the flattering lips but himself.

c.  “Who is lord over us?” - Questioning as to who can interfere with anything he says or does.

God cares for the poor and the needy (v. 5). He promises to protect the downtrodden and confront their oppressors. We should identify with Him. His work is not done until we care for the poor. Yet, even when the wicked walk on every side we can still trust the Word of God (vv. 6-8).

Application

Have I ever felt that there are certain areas of my life that I control and I don’t need any help from anyone? Pride caused by deception can be a problem. I need to give the Lord every area of my life.