“Cut Off All Flattering Lips” (Ps 12:1-8)

Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. They speak vainly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things (vs1-3).

The wicked are faithless and vain, believing not the Lord and persecuting His people in their vain chatter, flattering of the flesh, and their pursuit after sin. We read, “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips”, and He will, giving us victory over them all.

His word is perfectly trustworthy, and He'll deliver as promised. The Psalmist said, “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. You shall keep them, O Lord, You shall preserve them from this generation forever” (vs6-7).  He will save the afflicted, for He says, “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise, says the Lord; I will set him in the safety for which he yearns” (vs5). Who are you?  Do you join with sinners or oppose them?  Do you serve the Lord or trust in yourself, flattering yourself that you may do as you will, as if your tongue is a weapon? The wicked say, “With our tongue we will prevail; our lips are our own; who is lord over us (vs4)?”  This opposition, however, is completely futile.  Say what you will, Christ will save the godly out of your hands and bring you into judgment.

The righteous please God, walking by faith, and depending upon Him for our reward.  We look to Him who made us righteous to deal with our foes, as we pursue nothing but obedience.  He never saves until He justifies, and He never justifies without giving us sure rewards, even life, pleasure, victory, and heaven to come. We don't go along with sin because of it: we know the reward won't be denied.

Stir up faith. Don't be fearful, discouraged, or self-saving.  Take nothing into your hands except God's faithfulness, and wait.  Serve Him zealously and watch Him scatter your foes, thrill your heart, and bring you into heaven's bliss.