Psalm 12: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 12 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls for help from Yahweh because the godly man has ceased and the faithful are gone (vv. 1-2). People lie to their neighbors, speaking with flattering lips and a double heart. The psalmist condemns these flattering words and the boasting of those who think they can prevail with their tongues (vv. 3-4). Yahweh responds to the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy. He promises to arise and protect those who are maligned (vv. 5-7). The psalmist affirms that Yahweh's words are flawless, like refined silver, and He will preserve the faithful from this generation forever. Finally, the wicked walk on every side while what is vile is exalted among the sons of men (v. 8).

Key verse

“Yahweh’s words are flawless words, as silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.”
Psalms 12:6 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 12:1–2 A Call for Help Amid Deceit
Psalm 12:3–4 Condemnation of Flattering Words
Psalm 12:5–7 Yahweh’s Assurance and Promise
Psalm 12:8 The Prevailing Wickedness

Discussion questions

In v1, who is the 'godly man' that the Psalmist says ceases?
What do the 'flattering lips' in v2 suggest about the people's honesty?
In v4, what does the phrase 'who is lord over us?' imply about their attitude toward authority?
In v7, what does it mean when it says God will 'preserve them' from this generation?
When have you felt surrounded by 'wicked' behavior as described in v8?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 12: Proverbs 30, Psalm 10, Proverbs 23.

Before next time: read Psalm 13.