Psalms Chapter 12 (KJV)
Psalms 12
The reliability and purity of God's WordThe prevalence of deceit and flattery in societyGod's protection of the faithfulThe contrast between human unfaithfulness and divine faithfulnessGod's justice for the oppressed and needy
[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. {upon...: or, upon the eighth} {Help: or, Save}
They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: {with} flattering lips {and} with a double heart do they speak. {a double...: Heb. an heart and an heart}
The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, {and} the tongue that speaketh proud things: {proud: Heb. great}
Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips {are} our own: who {is} lord over us? {are...: Heb. are with us}
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. {puffeth...: or, would ensnare him}
The words of the LORD {are} pure words: {as} silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. {them from: Heb. him, etc: that is, every one of them, etc}
The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted. {men: Heb. of the sons of the men}
Context & Meaning
Psalm 12 is David's lament over the decline of godliness and faithfulness in society, characterized by deceitful speech and flattery. David contrasts human unfaithfulness with God's pure and reliable Word, expressing confidence that God will protect His people and ultimately judge the wicked.