The Words of Men vs. The Words of God (Psalm 12)

1. Read: Psalm 12

2. About the Text:

1) The superscription says that this is a Psalm of David.

2) Even in times of great leadership, there are problems with wicked men.

3) Our struggle with evil persists through all circumstances.

4) Satan never takes a holiday.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. They are ungodly (1).

1) The Psalm begins with a cry for help because godly men cease; ungodliness proliferates.

2) “An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire” (Proverbs 16:27).

3) “The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away” (Psalm 1:4).

2. They are idle (2).

1) They speak idly with their neighbor.

2) “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).

3) “But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:16).

3. They are flattering.

1) They speak with flattering lips and a double heart.

2) “A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet” (Psalm 29:5).

3) “For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18).

4. They are proud.

1) Their tongues speak proud things.

2) “In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them” (Proverbs 14:3).

3) “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

5. They are uncontrolled.

1) They say that their lips are their own and “who is lord over us.”

2) This means that they think they can say whatever they want without consequence.

3) “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls” (Proverbs 25:28).

4) Among the characteristics of sinners in the last days are those who are “without self control” (2 Timothy 3:3).

6. They are arrogant.

1) They say that with their tongue they will prevail (4).

2) They think they can talk themselves out of anything and are not guilty.

3) “A proud and haughty man—’Scoffer’ is his name; He acts with arrogant pride” (Proverbs 21:24).

7. They are oppressing.

1) They use their tongues to oppress the poor and needy (5).

2) “His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity” (Psalm 10:7).

3) “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit; The poison of asps is under their lips; Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”” (Romans 3:13-14).

8. They are self-seeking.

1) The use of the tongue depicted here is for selfish purposes.

2) They think their tongue belongs to them and they can use it for what they wish.

3) “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth…. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (James 3:14, 16).

9. The Lord is opposed to these attitudes and use of the tongue.

1) The Psalmists asks for “Help” from the Lord from these people (1).

2) He asks Him to cut off such behavior (3).

3) He says that the Lord will arise and defend the poor and needy from it (5).

1. They are safe (5).

1) The words of God provide safety.

2) “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33).

3) “The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

4) “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).

2. They are pure (6).

1) “The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Psalm 19:8).

2) “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him” (Proverbs 30:5).

3. They are tried (6).

1) God’s words have been tested and shown to be right.

2) “As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him” (2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 18:30).

3) “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward…” (Hebrews 2:2).

4. They are perfect/complete (6).

1) “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7).

2) “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25).

5. They are preserving (7).

1) “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

2) “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).

6. They are wholesome (7).

1) “More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11).

2) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

1. Consider the character of . . .

1) The Words of Men

2) The Word of God

2. Invitation – whose words are you listening to?