Surrounded by liars, King David cries out to the Lord. Whether these liars were King David’s fellow Israelites or men in authority, like King David, lies and faithless people surround us in our world and even the church. Despite words that sound sweet and pleasant, flattering lips are manipulative words of deception. Consider the broken political culture where parties cater to the audience to capture influence, or the widespread examples of churches adapting biblical interpretation to support cultural norms.
By contrast, “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.” God’s word stands true. Man’s words are full of lies, influenced by our own fallen state and the lies of the enemy. Men flatter. God does not. What comfort to know our God is not double minded, but honest, sincere, just and good. I do not want a god who flatters me. Flattery is cheap. God does not just tell us what we want to hear to make us feel better, but he gives us truth that is convicting yet satisfying. God’s word is a rock and stands throughout time, and He is faithful to fulfill his promises. Thank you, Jesus.
“Who is master over us?” It’s interesting the passage associates a lying tongue with self rule, as though connecting a symptom with an issue of the heart. Many people believe they are master of their own lives. Our culture has begun to widely accept the you do you, feelings are your truth mentality – no authority ought to have a right over self rule. But Psalm 12 assures us that we can trust in God’s Word no matter our current circumstance because our Word arose on the third day. And the truth is that Jesus is Lord over us, not just our soul but also our lips. May we be honest followers of Jesus who seek to praise him sincerely and speak truth to others as we trust in Him.
- Ally Clemments