Heavenly Devotion: Psalm 12 – The Deceitful Man

(Written by Robert Quay)

David certainly knew enough about deception. Constant lies were told of him at Saul and David’s courts. People he had befriended and helped betrayed him as soon as his back was turned. This was seen in the treacherous and ungrateful citizens of Keilah whom he saved from the Philistines raiding their village. David was also betrayed by the Ziphites who cold-bloodedly planned to sell him to Saul when he was hiding in the Desert of Ziph. Then the betrayal by his son Absalom who had deceived him and stole the hearts of his subjects. Finally, Ahithophel his counselor and friend who had betrayed in such a monumental way, a type of many deceitful men. 

David pleaded with God for help as he found that the godly men on earth were diminishing, and evil men have taken over. He said, “Save, Lord! For the godly man is no more”. We are in the last days where godly and righteous people are diminishing as lawlessness and wickedness prevail.  Yet like David, we can call upon the LORD to keep us safe and protect us from such people. 

Let’s Read Psalm 12

1 Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore;
those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.

2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;
they flatter with their lips
but harbor deception in their hearts.

3 May the Lord silence all flattering lips
and every boastful tongue—
4 those who say,
“By our tongues we will prevail;
our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”

5 “Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,
I will now arise,” says the Lord.
“I will protect them from those who malign them.”

6 And the words of the Lord are flawless,
like silver purified in a crucible,
like gold refined seven times.

7 You, Lord, will keep the needy safe
and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8 who freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father, we are surrounded by lawlessness, wickedness, and deceit. We pray You will keep us safe and protect us from such people. We pray for many believers who are suffering in this pandemic. We ask of You to protect and provide for their daily needs. We pray for families who have lost their loved ones that Your peace and comfort may be given to them. We praise You and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!