What does Psalm 12:3 reveal about God's view on deceitful speech? Setting the Scene Psalm 12 is David’s cry for help in a culture where honest voices seem extinct. Verse 3 zooms in on one specific sin—deceitful, boastful speech—showing how seriously the LORD treats it. The Verse at a Glance “May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things.” (Psalm 12:3) God’s Intolerance for Deceit • “Cut off” is uncompromising language; God is not merely displeased—He is ready to act decisively against lying lips. • “Flattering lips” exposes manipulative praise designed to mislead. • “Tongue that speaks proud things” condemns arrogant self-promotion that twists truth. • The verb tense implies an ongoing readiness: whenever deceit surfaces, it immediately falls under divine judgment. Why Deceitful Speech Is So Serious • It attacks God’s character of truth (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2). • It wounds neighbor relationships, sowing distrust (Proverbs 26:28). • It strengthens wickedness in society, as deception becomes normalized (Isaiah 59:14-15). • It aligns the speaker with Satan, “the father of lies” (John 8:44). • It invites the very “cutting off”—removal from blessing, fellowship, and in extreme cases even life (Acts 5:1-10). Practical Takeaways for Today • Guard your lips: weigh words before speaking (Proverbs 10:19). • Reject manipulative flattery; encourage with truthful, humble words instead (Ephesians 4:25, 29). • Confess any pattern of half-truths or exaggeration; repentance restores fellowship (1 John 1:9). • Seek God’s help—He alone can tame the tongue (James 3:8). Complementary Scriptures • Proverbs 6:16-17 – Lying tongue among the seven things the LORD hates. • Psalm 34:13 – “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceit.” • Colossians 3:9 – “Do not lie to one another.” • Revelation 21:8 – The fate of the “liars” in the lake of fire underscores Psalm 12:3’s warning. |
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