Psalm 12

Another lament.  A "cry of an innocent person beset by enemies,"  per a study note.

This time, David is feeling alone in his devotion to God.  It seems that he has no
fellowship with other believers; can find no godliness in those around him.  All speech
seems idle, and people flatter and deceive, saying one thing but their heart believes something else.

David asks God to intervene.....to stop the flattering and proud speech.  The attitude of the enemy spoken of here seems to be this: "My tongue is my own,  I'll say what I want to.  Nobody can tell me what to say!"
(how like our society is this?!)

Ah, but once again we see the confidence and sure hope that God will act.  The oppressed and needy will be granted the safety they long for

A praise for God's steadfastness.  His holiness, truth, and everlasting love:  
His words are pure.   Like silver purified seven times.   That's mega-pure in Hebrew thinking.
As opposed to the words of the wicked, who flatter and deceive.

 I really like the note in my New King James study Bible for verse 8:
  "vileness suggests what is cheap as opposed to that which is worthy.
When there is no disapproval of evil, wickedness flourishes."

Once again, how like our society is this?  We have, as a nation, and I daresay many who call themselves Chrstians, become increasingly nonchalant about what God calls evil.
We allow ourselves to be entertained by it.  We turn a blind eye to it.  Indeed before long,
we find ourselves participating in it......all the while deceiving ourselves with the notion that it really doesn't matter.....God isn't concerned about such things.

This notion has spilled over into many of our churches, turning a blind eye to sin, while trying to be a comfort to the 'poor and needy.'  Teaching the people that God isn't concerned about any of it.....and telling lies about what He has said in His word, indeed denying His word as truth.

I (we, YOU) should be on guard.....seeing that we are not guilty of this sin.  Asking God to reveal any deceit or flattery that is in our own hearts.  Just as He sees the poor and needy, and will help,  He sees the wickedness of our hearts, and will discipline and judge.

One more thought on the 'poor and needy':   Certainly we do have the poor and needy with us always.  Indeed I know I have found myself there.  I know some for whom this means more the physically, financially, and tangibly needy only.   Forgotten is the fact that we are all poor and weak in spirit, needing to be rescued from our sin, bought and redeemed by the only One Who can do so.

Father,  do, I pray, arise, as David asks, and stop the wicked in their tracks and bring justice to your creation.  Forgive us for approving of evil, if not outright, then by turning a blind eye.  In not denouncing it, we approve it.  Make us wise and discerning, to know when we are in danger.  Give us boldness to stand against all that opposes you.  And, like David, help us to know beyond all shadow of doubt, that You are steadfast and true, and you will do it!