They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. They lie to one anotherThis phrase highlights the pervasive nature of deceit among people. The Hebrew root for "lie" is "שָׁוְא" (shav), which conveys a sense of emptiness or falsehood. In the historical context of ancient Israel, truthfulness was a cornerstone of community life, and deceit was seen as a direct violation of God's commandments. This phrase underscores the breakdown of trust and integrity, which are essential for a godly society. The act of lying to one another reflects a deeper spiritual malaise, where individuals prioritize self-interest over communal well-being and divine obedience. they speak with flattering lips
The term "flattering lips" refers to insincere praise or excessive compliments meant to manipulate or deceive. The Hebrew word for "flattering" is "חָלַק" (chalak), which can also mean to be smooth or slippery. This imagery suggests a cunning and deceitful nature, where words are used as tools for personal gain rather than genuine communication. In the biblical context, flattery is often associated with deceit and is condemned as it leads people away from truth and righteousness. The use of flattering lips is a tactic that undermines authentic relationships and erodes trust within the community. and a double heart
The phrase "double heart" is derived from the Hebrew "לֵב וָלֵב" (lev va'lev), literally meaning "heart and heart." This expression indicates duplicity or hypocrisy, where an individual's outward actions do not align with their inner intentions. In the scriptural context, the heart is the seat of will and emotion, and a divided heart signifies a lack of integrity and faithfulness. A double heart is contrary to the biblical call for wholehearted devotion to God, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 6:5. This duplicity is a spiritual ailment that leads to instability and unfaithfulness, both in human relationships and in one's relationship with God. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 12, David is expressing his lament over the deceitfulness and corruption he observes in society. 2. The FaithfulThe psalm contrasts the faithful, who are disappearing, with the deceitful, who are prevalent. 3. The WickedThose who speak with flattering lips and a double heart, representing the moral decay in society. 4. GodThe ultimate judge and protector of the faithful, who hears the cries of the oppressed. 5. The OppressedThose who suffer under the deceit and lies of the wicked, whom God promises to protect. Teaching Points The Danger of Deceitful SpeechDeceitful speech is a reflection of a corrupt heart. As believers, we must guard our hearts and ensure our words align with truth and integrity. The Power of WordsWords have the power to build up or destroy. We should strive to use our speech to edify others and glorify God, avoiding flattery and deceit. God's Awareness and JusticeGod is aware of the deceit and injustice in the world. He hears the cries of the oppressed and will act in His perfect timing to bring justice. The Call to AuthenticityAs Christians, we are called to live authentically, with sincerity in our hearts and truth on our lips, reflecting the character of Christ in all we do. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the prevalence of deceitful speech in today's society compare to the situation described in Psalm 12:2? 2. In what ways can we guard our hearts to ensure our speech reflects truth and integrity? 3. How can we encourage others to speak truthfully and avoid flattery in our communities? 4. What role does prayer play in seeking God's protection and justice against deceit and oppression? 5. How can we apply the teachings of James 3:8-10 to our daily conversations and interactions with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 26:28This verse speaks about the destructive nature of a lying tongue and flattering lips, similar to the deceit described in Psalm 12:2. James 3:8-10James discusses the power of the tongue, highlighting the inconsistency of blessing and cursing, akin to the "double heart" mentioned in Psalm 12:2. Matthew 12:34-37Jesus speaks about the heart's role in producing words, emphasizing the accountability for every careless word, which relates to the deceitful speech in Psalm 12:2. People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics FALSE, Deception, Double, Falsehood, Flattering, Flattery, Full, Heart, Hearts, Lies, Lip, Lips, Neighbor, Neighbour, Says, Smooth, Speak, Talk, Tongues, Utters, VanityDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 12:1-2 5848 exaggeration
8252 faithfulness, relationships Psalm 12:1-7 5951 slander Psalm 12:2-3 5164 lips
5863 flattery
8803 pride, evil of Library The Pharisee and the Publican
Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself; God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the Publican, standing afar off would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.-- Luke, xviii. 10-13. In the beginning …
John Bunyan—The Pharisee And PublicanPaul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
WHEREIN SEVERAL GREAT AND WEIGHTY THINGS ARE HANDLED: AS, THE NATURE OF PRAYER, AND OF OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW, WITH HOW FAR IT OBLIGES CHRISTIANS, AND WHEREIN IT CONSISTS. WHEREIN IS ALSO SHEWED, THE EQUALLY DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF THE PHARISEE, OR HYPOCRITICAL AND SELF-RIGHTEOUS MAN; AND OF THE PUBLICAN, OR SINNER THAT LIVES IN SIN, AND IN OPEN VIOLATION OF THE DIVINE LAWS. TOGETHER WITH THE WAY AND METHOD OF GOD'S FREE GRACE IN PARDONING PENITENT SINNERS; PROVING THAT HE JUSTIFIES THEM BY IMPUTING …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 12:2 NIVPsalm 12:2 NLTPsalm 12:2 ESVPsalm 12:2 NASBPsalm 12:2 KJV
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