The title of this blog is a rendition of Psalm 12:1 in the “God’s Word” translation. In the eight verses of this psalm, the Psalmist speaks to a community of believers living in a deceitful society filled with a prevalence of untruths and misinformation. It seems as though the people of God were dominated by liars in positions of authority. “The Psalmist asks the Lord to intervene, for society is overrun by deceitful, arrogant oppressors and godly individuals are a dying breed” (NET). But “because of the Lord’s answer, the godly can face the future knowing that God protects them” (NLT Study Bible). May this also be true of us today. God is looking for “truth-tellers,” who will stand up and be heard.
The Psalmist laments, “Help, Lord, for no faithful one remains; the loyal have disappeared from the human race” (v. 1). The godly and faithful are so rare it seems as if they have disappeared. “Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts” (v. 2). This is a cultural snapshot of our dominating contemporary narrative. Lies are being perpetuated as truths. There is a lot of empty talk, including flattery in the guise of smooth talk. We are asked, with a smile, to believe lies. This kind of deception gives us a steady diet of “doubletalk.” Many ask today, “Who are we to believe? What are their true motives?”
The Psalmist prays for God to silence the flattering lips and boastful tongues. These individuals believe their power resides in their speech, convinced they can influence others with their words. “We speak persuasively; we know how to flatter and boast. Who is our master?” (v. 4). “Destructive gossip, undemocratic legislation, language devalued by political correctness, the media’s drowning of quality in quantity, are all examples” (Bible Speaks Today) of an arrogant attitude toward God in our day.
But the Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor” (v. 5 ). In response, God “will rise up to rescue them as they have longed for me to do” (v. 5). It might seem like lies and deception are having their way, but God gives fair warning: “Even though the wicked strut about and evil is praised throughout the land,” He will “protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation” (v. 7). In our day, the wicked certainly “strut about” having captured the imagination of contemporary media. Be careful – we are being asked to believe a lie (II Thess. 2:10-12).
In contrast to the deception found in society, we can depend on the trustworthiness of God’s Word. “The Lord’s promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over” (v. 6). God means what he says; his words are completely pure. “When we feel as though sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have one hope: the Word of God, which is pure and flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when he speaks to you through his Word” (Application Bible).
What is a man to do today in a decadent society?
- Accept the authority of Scripture. Earnestly strive to let Scripture form your worldview, not the cultural narrative. Remember, “the word of the Lord stands forever” (I Peter 2:25).
- Fellowship with other true believers. Allow your assumptions and opinions to be exposed to biblical teaching. You cannot endure this battle on your own.
- Above all, don’t fall asleep. Keep alert to deception. You are being lied to daily.
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