Psalm 12 finds David in a place where he seems almost desperate and cynical about the world around. However he reminds himself, and us, that the Lord has promised to take care of the lowly, and we can trust that more than pure silver.
Main Point: Again David finds himself in a place in which everywhere he looks there is deception. This time though the deceivers think that they will prevail with their wayward tongues. They believe that are masters of their own destiny. What these deceivers don’t realize though is the Lord is the protector of those they oppress. Because of this He will arise from his throne and protect the poor and needy. And since it is the Lord himself who says he will take care of the lowly, David reminds that the words of the Lord are more precious than purely refined silver.
The last two verses sum up the whole, “You, O Lord, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever. On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.
Interesting Points: Unlike many of the psalms that come before it, God himself says that he will take care of the righteous poor and needy as opposed to David saying it. This leads David to remind us that his words are purer than perfectly refined silver, and they can be trusted in more.
There is also an interesting contrast between the deceivers and God. While they utter lies and from the mouths of the deceivers come great boast, it is Lord’s word who are pure and can be trusted.
Emotional reaction: This psalm reminds me that my safety is not dependent upon myself, but upon the Lord. I can take comfort knowing that he will deliver me from those who would seek my destruction. I can trust that it is so, because he has said it.
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