Psalm 12: "The Tongues and Lips of Men Verses 
the Pure, Preserved Words of the Lord"
 "You shall keep them O Lord."
 
 
 
 

Since we live among people-all kings of people-it is relatively easy for us to view the circumstances around us as being very good, very bad, or mixed.  At times (most times), the godly view the overall situation as very bad due to the number and variety of sinful lives that people choose to live.  The Bible frequently reminds us that this actually is the most accurate view of the world (Isaiah 1; Romans 1-3; and many of the Psalms).
On the other hand, the scriptures also teach that God is fully aware of all of this. He desires that we look to Him in light of the "present evil age' or "perverse generation" in which we live so that by relying on Him, we can live soberly, righteously, and godly lives (Galatians 1:4; Acts 2:40; Titus 2:12).
Psalm 12 was written (no doubt by David) during a time when he was reflecting on these very things.    Let us learn from him as he describes two situations (vv. 1,2), two pleas (vv. 3-5), and two standards (vv. 6-8).
"Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! 
For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.
They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak" (vv. 1,2).
Here, the man after God's own heart describes two situations, both real and both bad.  the first situations that the godly have "ceased" or "disappeared."  That is, they have stopped being godly and they have failed to be what they have been.  The second situation is that they have started to sin with the tongue, speaking idle, flattering, and double-hearted words.  Idle words will cause them to be lost (Matthew 12:34-37), flattering words are never recommended in the Bible, and the double-hearted (minded) person just cannot be counted on (James 1:5-8).
"May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, 
And the tongue that speaks proud things,
Who have said, 
'With our tongue we will prevail; 
Our lips are our own; 
Who is lord over us?'
'For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, 
Now I will arise,' says the LORD; 
'I will set him in the safety for which he yearns'"
(vv. 3-5).
Here, the defender of God's way describes two please from souls who know that it is God Who takes care of all difficulties very well.  The first plea is regarding the tongues and lips that are used to flatter, speak proudly, and exalt self to first place.  He desires that they be cut off by the Lord.  The second plea is regarding helpless ones, such as the poor and needy. He wants to hear the Lord say that He will arise and provide safety for such souls.  This twofold plea has at least one very powerful lesson for all of us (even if we are not specifically in need):  Let God deal with the aspects of the needs of people that He has said He will-and let us learn to turn to Him at such times.
"The words of the LORD are pure words, 
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, 
Purified seven times. 
You shall keep them, O LORD, 
You shall preserve them from this generation forever. 
The wicked prowl on every side, 
When vileness is exalted among the sons of men" (vv. 6-8).
Here, the sweet singer of Israel identifies two standards and uses the beautiful language of Hebrew verse to exalt the words of God while exposing the utter worthlessness of human ways.  the first standard is a moving description of the quality of the words of Jehovah: pure, tried silver, purified, kept, preseasoned for ever.  Let us accept the fact that His word still has such characteristics, and that it always will (Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:22-25).  The second standard is the vile (evil standard that is exalted by wicked prowlers in every time and place.
This Psalm ends abruptly with the statement of the two standards.  it reminds me of the abrupt ending of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7;24-27).  Jesus spoke of the wisdom of building on the rock, which is always successful; versus building on the sand, which is never successful.
And with that comment, He ended the Sermon.
    - Skip Andrews
Next Week:  Psalm 13:  "How Long? Times Four"
 
 
 
 

SICK LIST:  Donna Fields continues to need our prayers.
 Jordan Bullard is improving.  
GROUP TWO: Plantation South at 1:30; see group leaders 
for visitation assignments following evening services.
SING:  5:30 Sunday.
CHILDREN'S CLASS:  5:30 Sunday.
LADIES' CLASS:  Ladies' class will meet Tuesday at 10:00.  
PANTRY ITEM: Dish Detergent; Clorox
FOR THE RECORD:
Sunday Bible Class   
Sunday AM Worship  
Sunday PM Worship  
Wednesday Bible Class  
Contribution    $4611
Budget    $4600
 
 
 
 

CAMP:  Don't forget our Bible camp June 17-20. 
Please pick up a brochure and registration 
form or see Brad Bradshaw or Skip Andrews
if you have any questions.  There is a sign-up sheet on the 
bulletin board for food items that are needed for camp. 
We ask that you consider providing a few items 
(we will collect the perishable food right before camp).

ANSWERS FROM PAGE 3: 
                         f, d, b, e, h, i, j, a g, c
 
 
 
 

LECTURESHIP LUNCHES:  There is a sign-up sheet on the 
bulletin board in the foyer for our lectureship lunches.
 Please check this out.  Thanks.
 
 
 
 

Verse of the Week:
 "Be surety for thy servant for good:
let not the proud oppress me" (Psalm 119:122).
 
 
 

VOLUME 1:13               MAY 9, 1999