Psalm 12 | Resources
Discussion Questions
Summarize this psalm as a group.
Why is this psalm still so appropriate for today?
What are some common lies that are deceiving our culture?
Why is flattery so dangerous?
Do you tend to be more afraid of the wicked or of God?
Why is it important to accept God’s Word as absolute truth?
Memory Verse
“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.” Psalm 12:6 (CSB)
Devotional
Probably the hottest thing I have ever seen was a machine at the oil refinery in my hometown. Crude oil entering the refinery would first go through a distillation process in a furnace heated to 700-800 degrees Fahrenheit. While it happens in a different setting, the temperature for refining silver is even greater, well over 1,000 degrees. So when David says in Psalm 12:7 that God’s words are like silver refined in a furnace, he isn’t messing around. The cultural temperature at that time was elevated, an environment we can certainly relate to today. The eight verses of Psalm 12 alternate multiple times between condition and petition. The condition is bleak – lying, flattering, boasting, plundering, exalting vileness. David’s desperation almost jumps off the page when he cries out in verse 1 that the faithful have vanished. In verses 1 and 3, he petitions God for salvation and the cutting off of the tongues that mock the truth. One look at our current culture would find some similarities. Truth is twisted and mocked. Humans boast of our abilities to solve all of the world’s problems. Salvation is sought in seemingly everything except God’s words. We also find ourselves crying out for an answer. By God’s grace, both we and David find it in verses 5 and 6. God doesn’t just arise in the midst of the cultural heat; He arises because of it. One of the verses in the song “Way Maker” says, “Even when I don’t see it, you’re working.” When life gets its bleakest and our laments get their loudest, God’s Word says that He is not only present but rising in His power and purity. The world’s heat that appears meant for destruction is instead used for refinement. What “hot spots” can you lift up to God today and trust in His words and work?