Lessons for Life with James Long, Jr.

When Words Wound: Psalm 12’s Hope for the Weary (Psalm 12)

• James Long

Share episode

Send us a text

When Words Wound: Psalm 12’s Hope for the Weary

When lies abound and trust feels lost, where do we turn? Psalm 12 offers hope for the disillusioned and weary by reminding us that God's words are pure, His justice is sure, and His people are never forgotten. In a world flooded with deception, God still speaks, and His word is our refuge.

Episode Highlights

  • David’s lament over the disappearance of godly and faithful people
  • The power and pain of deceptive, manipulative speech
  • God's response to the groaning of the oppressed
  • The contrast between impure human speech and God’s refined, reliable word
  • Assurance that God guards His people even while evil is still active
  • A call to model faithful, truthful, healing speech in a dishonest world
  • Encouragement for those who feel spiritually alone or betrayed

Resources and Next Steps

Listen and Subscribe

Listen now on the Lessons for Life Podcast:

Connect and Share

ABOUT JAMES AND LESSONS FOR LIFE

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 30 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are in search of freedom, you will love being part of this conversation. Subscribe, and enjoy the show!

Links
Website – https://jameslongjr.org/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/drjameslongjr
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/drjameslongjr/
Apple Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/applepodcast
Google Podcast – https://jameslongjr.org/googlepodcast

Speaker 1:

Welcome to Counseling Through the Psalms with James Long Jr, a special series from Lessons for Life. I'm James, and in each episode we will journey into the rich, honest and healing language of the Psalms to find hope, clarity and comfort for life's deepest struggles. Whether you're wrestling with anxiety, grief, anger or spiritual dryness, the Psalms offer us a path towards restoration and peace through God's Word. So, wherever you are right now, take a deep breath and let's enter into the heart of Scripture together. Hey, welcome back. It's James Long. Do me a favor, grab your Bible and a journal and let's start with Psalm 12.

Speaker 1:

When truth is traded for flattery, and deception rules the public square, psalm 12 calls us to anchor our hearts in the pure and proven promises of God. In a world where faithful people seem few and dishonest words abound, this psalm gives voice to the disillusioned and hope to the oppressed. Let's begin with the first section. When faithfulness feels extinct, the psalmist says this help me, o Lord, for the godly one is gone and the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. Psalm 12, verse 1. These words could have been penned this morning.

Speaker 1:

The ache in David's heart echoes in every soul that has felt surrounded by corruption, betrayal or the loss of moral clarity in society. Psalm 12 begins with a desperate cry of a man who feels spiritually and relationally alone. Truth is rare and lies are everywhere. People flatter with their lips while hiding agendas in their heart. No one speaks honestly. Even neighbors deceive one another. Verse 12.

Speaker 1:

David is not simply lamenting bad people. He is lamenting the breakdown of a culture where trust once lived. This lament rings especially loud for those who have experienced betrayal in leadership, in churches, in relationships. When people use words to manipulate, control or destroy, especially to those who claim spiritual authority, the impact is soul-wounding. It makes the heart want to retreat and cry. Where are the faithful? But Psalm 12 invites us not to isolate in cynicism but to cry out to the Lord. Even when godliness seems rare and integrity looks endangered, the psalmist doesn't give up his prayers, and this is one of the first lessons for weary hearts.

Speaker 1:

When the faithful disappear, we turn to the faithful one, the poison of deceptive words. Verses 3 and 4 paint a picture of words weaponized for destruction. This isn't just casual dishonesty. It's boastful, self-exalting speech that claims we will prevail with our tongues. Our lips are with us. Who is master over us? Verse 4 the language is chilling. These speakers are not just lying, they're rebelling. They're denying accountability. They live as if no one, not even God, can restrain or judge them. If you've been harmed by spiritual abuse, toxic relationships or gaslighting, this language is familiar. You know what it feels like to be the one on the receiving end of charming words that conceal malicious motives. You've heard the flattery that feels more like a trap than a compliment. And perhaps worst of all, you face the silence of bystanders who, like David, feel as if the faithful have vanished.

Speaker 1:

Psalm 12 acknowledges the deep pain of living in a world where deception is normalized and honesty is endangered. It names the problem without numbing it, but it also assures us that God is not silent. God speaks and acts on behalf of the oppressed. Now, in verse 5, the psalmist shifts. He says this "because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise", says the Lord. This is the turning point of the psalm and the turning point for the wounded heart. God does not merely observe injustice, he promises to act. Notice what provokes the Lord to speak. The groans of the oppressed, the sighs that feel unheard on earth, rise like incense before heaven when others puff an arrogant dismissal. Look at the end of verse 5, god leans in with an attentive compassion. He does not trivialize the groaning. He acts because of it.

Speaker 1:

The Lord's words are not like the empty flattery of liars. Watch what it says in verse 6. The words of the Lord are pure like silver, refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. In contrast to the contaminated speech of the world. God's words are trustworthy, tested and without blemish. In a world where words are cheap and polluted, the word of the Lord is precious and purifying, secure in the shelter of his word.

Speaker 1:

Psalm 12 doesn't promise the immediate removal of evil. In fact, the final verse acknowledges that the wicked still strut about and that vileness is exalted Verse 8. But the psalm doesn't end in despair. It ends in confidence. Watch what it says in verse 7. You, o Lord, will keep them. You will guard us from this generation forever. Here is where Psalm 12 meets your anxiety, your disillusionment and your longing for justice. God doesn't just rescue us from lies, he guards us in the midst of them. His promise is not only to silence the wicked one day, but to shelter the faithful right now. Maybe you're navigating a culture or workplace, or even a family, where integrity feels punished and deception is rewarded. Maybe you're wrestling with doubt, wondering whether truth even matters anymore. Well, psalm 12 assures you yes, it does, and God himself will preserve those who cling to it.

Speaker 1:

Here are the doctrinal insights that we find from Psalm 12. First, we see that God's word is pure and perfect, unlike human speech. God's promises are fully truthful, refined and without error verse 6. Second, we see that God responds to the oppressed. The Lord arises to defend those who are exploited or mistreated. Third, we see divine preservation. God not only redeems, but he also guards his people in the midst of a corrupt generation. Fourth, we see human arrogance is seen and judged. Those who exalt themselves through speech will not escape God's justice verses 3 and 4. And lastly, we see moral decline doesn't diminish God's sovereignty. Even when vileness is exalted, god remains faithful and active verse 8. Now let's take all of that doctrine and let's make it practical, practical theology.

Speaker 1:

Speaking to the struggling soul If you're hurting or weary, psalm 12 speaks into your life with clarity and hope. You're not alone in grieving the loss of honesty and trust in a world around you. When you feel betrayed by people who speak falsely, remember that God never manipulates. If you've been oppressed or deceived. God sees your groanings and promises to rise in your defense when you do not know who to trust. You can trust the words of God. They are refined, reliable and redemptive. If the culture around you celebrates sin and silences truth, stand firm, knowing that God will guard your soul. Do not retreat in despair. Cling to the promises that are eternally pure and proven. Lastly, let your own speech reflect the purity and power of God's word, offering healing instead of harm.

Speaker 1:

Well, let's reflect and respond. Remember, grab your journal as we work through these questions. Number one when have you felt like the faithful have vanished? How did it impact your trust in people or in God? Number two are there voices in your life right now that seem flattering but leave you feeling uneasy? Why? 3. What lies have you believed about yourself, your worth, your future, that God's Word exposes? No-transcript. Number five in what ways have you been tempted to give up hope when deception seems to prevail? Number six how can you model truthful healing and honoring speech in your family, church or workplace? Number seven what is one promise from God's word that you can cling to today, in the face of corruption or confusion?

Speaker 1:

Well, let us pray. Father, thank you for revealing yourself through the power of your word, lord Jesus, thank you for being the fulfillment of every promise and anchor for every storm. Holy Spirit, guide us into deeper trust, lasting peace and transforming hope. Teach us to walk in the truth of this psalm today. In Jesus' name, we pray Amen. Now, if you're feeling misled or wounded by words, psalm 12 reminds us that God hears the groans of the weary and speaks a better word than deception ever can. If you want to learn more about us, join our free navigator level of our Lessons for Life community at jameslongjrorg slash community for devotionals, deeper coaching and content designed to help you grow in emotional, relational and spiritual wisdom. Remember this as we close you are not forgotten. You are guarded by the word that cannot fail. Well, until next time. Be blessed, take care everyone.

People on this episode

Head Shot

James Long, Jr.

Host