All Talk!
Opening Prayer
God, my Father, I come to You now humbly seeking to be with You and hear from You.
Read Psalm 12:1-8
[1] For the director of music. According to sheminith. A psalm of David. 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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is the psalmist's dilemma and where does he find hope?The psalmist is reflecting on what he sees going on around him. He notices the decline in those who believe and trust in God. He observes the way lies and deceit have taken a grip in his culture, becoming the norm. He obviously encounters people who think they can talk their way out of anything. What do you notice in your culture? Are there any similarities? It is good for us to be observers of what is going on and to critique it in the light of God’s character and Word. Honest and trustworthy talk seems to be in short supply today. Some would say that they assume they are being lied to in most circumstances: in commerce, business, local and national government, and, sadly, often in personal relationships. This erodes trust. In contrast, the second half of the psalm considers the God who can be trusted. His words are pure and entirely match his actions. In the midst of deception there is one who is true to his word. Note the “hinge” verse in the psalm, v. 5, which focuses on God’s care for the downtrodden. Those who suffer most in cultures where corruption has taken a grip are the poor and marginalized.
Apply
Has your speech been honest and trustworthy? How can you stand for those who suffer from corruption?
Closing prayer
Lord, help me to stand against corruption and deceit wherever I see it–especially when it is in me.
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.