Psalm 12 – The Words of the LORD are Pure Words

Jon Beck

My Bible study notes for Wednesday night, April 30th. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon. They are provided as an outline each week for our Tabernacle Church family. You can find Sermon Notes, Family Devotional Guides, Prayer List, and other resources at our Church Website.

Psalm 12:1-8

Intro Thoughts

  • A plea for deliverance
  • The untruths of the world against the righteous
  • The lies coming from “flattering lips” compared to the truth of God’s Word

The psalm moves from laying out the crisis (vv. 1–2) to prayer for relief (vv. 3–4) and to assurance that God will, in his own time, vindicate his faithful ones (vv. 5–8).

C. John Collins, “The Psalms,” in Psalms–Song of Solomon, ed. Iain M. Duguid, James M. Hamilton Jr., and Jay Sklar, vol. V, ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2022), 98.

Truth is trampled underfoot in a corrupt society, and words are only tools of self-interest. But the certain word of God, given in an oraclelike response in 12:5, contrasts with the empty words of people.

Duane A. Garrett, “The Poetic and Wisdom Books,” in Holman Concise Bible Commentary, ed. David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998), 221.

The Prayer for Help – vv. 1-4

Save O Lord

  • The first word is HELP

The godly one is gone..Faithful have vanished

  • The thickness of the wickedness.  A feeling of being on an island of truth.
  • Does anyone not see what I see?

Utters lies… Flattering lips

  • The focus on the deception and lies.
  • Untruths and twisting truth
  • Literally means “smooth talker.”  The words appeal to the listening world
  • Remember a couple of weeks ago in 2 Tim. “itching ears”

Double hearted

  • The heart is the reason their words are untrue “heart issue”
  • The mouth is an overflow of the heart
  • Points to the idea they really do not actually believe what they are say.  (Our world today is a perfect example)

May the Lord cut off

  • Seeking deliverance.
  • A harsh request.  Tired of the lies of the world.

Those that say they will prevail

  • Wicked think they will win

Who is master over us?

  • The idols of the heart.
  • They think they are their own god
  • Denying the rule and reign of God over their life

God’s Response – v. 5

Because

  • He sees the wicked
  • He understands the condition of the righteous

I will now rise

  • The King rising form His throne to cast judgment
  • Remember Ps. 9-11
  • Pay day someday. Many times, it is not as soon as we wish.
  • We must trust in God’s perfect time.

I will place in safety

  • The protection of the Great Shepherd (rod and staff)
  • Circumstances may not SEEM to change, but our perspective on them will

A Newfound Confidence – vv. 6-8

The Words of the Lord are pure words. You will keep them

  • True, right, holy!
  • Sufficient…Enough
  • Psalm 119, Psalm 19

You will guard us from this generation forever

  • What reassuring words.  HIS FOREVER
  • Never leaves us or forsakes us. Hebrews 13:5
  • His purpose and His plan is always best… ours is not

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