Psalm 12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

12:1

Psalm 12:1-8. On title, see on Introduction and see on Psalm 6:1. The Psalmist laments the decrease of good men. The pride and deceit of the wicked provokes God‘s wrath, whose promise to avenge the cause of pious sufferers will be verified even amidst prevailing iniquity.

the faithful — or literally, “faithfulness” (Psalm 31:23).

12:2

The want of it is illustrated by the prevalence of deceit and instability.

12:3-4

Boasting (Daniel 7:25) is, like flattery, a species of lying.

lips, and tongue — for persons.

12:5

The writer intimates his confidence by depicting God‘s actions (compare Psalm 9:19; Psalm 10:12) as coming to save the poor at whom the wicked sneer (Psalm 10:5).

12:6

The words — literally, “saying of” (Psalm 12:5).

seven times — thoroughly (Daniel 3:19).

12:7

them — (Margin.)

12:8

The wicked roam undisturbed doing evil, when vileness and vile men are exalted.