JANUARY 16
Psalm 12:2a, “Everyone utters lies to his neighbor.”
Psalm 12:6a, “The words of the Lord are pure words.”
The beauty of a thing becomes even more apparent when set in contrast to something contrary. For example, the moon’s brilliance stands out against the surrounding darkness. We read of such a situation here in this psalm by David.
David cries out to the Lord to save him, for he can find no one faithful. He’s surrounded by those who utter lies. They flatter. They boast. They answer to no one and presume to prevail through the power of their tongues.
In surveying that barren and hopeless landscape, David finds confidence in the pure words of the Lord. They are like “silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). The process of refining silver was arduous. Workers melted the raw silver ore in a primitive hearth to separate it from impurities. To repeat it seven times was to ensure its utmost purity.
This world can seem desert-like in its aversion to the truth. And sometimes it might seem nearly impossible to find someone honest. In contrast to that, the Word is always trustworthy. God always says what he means and always does what he says. Just as the moon shines bright against the darkness of night, God’s word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
“As pure gold suffers no loss by the fire, so the promises suffer no loss when they are tried.”—Thomas Manton
Application Questions: Can you relate to David’s experience of finding no one trustworthy and discouraged by all the falsehoods of this world? In contrast, do you understand the inspired Word to be always trustworthy? When looking for answers and help, how prone are you to turn to the Scriptures?
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