[:en]SCRIPTURE: PSALM 12
“May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says “we will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips – who is our master?” (Psalm 12:4)
“And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified 7 times” (Psalm 12:6)
“O Lord, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever” (Psalm 12:7)
David was saying that there were no more godly people left. This was similar to what Elijah said to God: “I’m the only godly one left and they are trying to kill me” (1 Kings 19:14). The Lord replied: “Yet I reserve 7,000 in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouth have not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18). David felt he was alone and the faithful were vanishing from the earth, so he cried out to the Lord for help.
Godliness was on the decline because most people lied to their neighbor; With flattery lips, they spoke with deception. David asked God to cut off flattery lips and boastful tongue (vs. 2-3). Flattery is manipulation not communication. It comes from a double heart with mixed motives. It is speaking lies. God’s word is pure, flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay. It is valuable and lasting. So let us listen to God’s word which is the truth.
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