Psalm 12 Meaning Explained

A lament for the extinction of truth in the public square. The psalmist diagnoses a societal disease: 'flattering lips and a double heart' have made 'faithful' an endangered species. God’s response is not just words of comfort, but a promise of speech itself—His own pure, refined, and utterly reliable words, contrasted sharply with the hollow, grandstanding boasts of the arrogant. It's a plea for divine linguistics in an age of deceit.

A clear explanation of Psalm 12, its meaning, context, and message for believers today

Psalms Chapter 12 | KJV

1. To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
2. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
3. The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
4. Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
5. For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
6. The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
8. The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

Historical Context

Psalm 12 reflects David’s lament over the increasing lies and oppression among the people, highlighting God’s promise to protect the humble.