What does Psalm 12:2 reveal about the nature of deceitful communication? “They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.” Key observations from the verse • “They lie to one another” – deception is habitual, not occasional. • “Flattering lips” – the deceit is sugar-coated; words sound kind but conceal ulterior motives. • “A double heart” – the problem runs deeper than speech; it originates in divided loyalty and hypocrisy. Layers of deception highlighted 1. Falsehood (outright lying) – Exodus 20:16, “You shall not bear false witness…” shows God’s clear prohibition. 2. Flattery (manipulative praise) – Proverbs 29:5, “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.” 3. Duplicity (two hearts, two agendas) – James 1:8, “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” – The tongue reveals the split allegiance of the heart (Luke 6:45). Why God takes deceit seriously • It corrupts community trust—Psalm 12 opens with “Help, LORD, for the godly are no more,” linking deception with societal collapse. • It misrepresents God’s truthful nature—Numbers 23:19 declares, “God is not a man, that He should lie.” • It warps worship—Psalm 51:6, “Surely You desire truth in the inmost being.” Practical takeaways for today • Guard the heart; duplicity begins there (Proverbs 4:23). • Reject flattery—offer genuine encouragement without hidden agendas. • Speak truth even when it costs; “Truthful lips endure forever” (Proverbs 12:19). • Use words to build, not trap; Ephesians 4:29 admonishes us to let no corrupt talk proceed from our mouths. |
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