Psalms 12:3

"Everyone lies to his neighbor. They speak with flattering lips, and with a double heart."

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, Psalms 12:3 would have resonated deeply as it reflected the common experience of deceit and hypocrisy among contemporaries. The phrase "speaking with flattering lips" (וּלְשׁוֹנֵ֣ה שָׂפָ֗ה תַּמִּ֥ים) describes a smooth-talking, insincere tongue that masks true intentions. This verse paints a picture of a society where deceit was prevalent, and people often hid their true motives behind polite or even flattering words, creating a "double heart" (לֵבַ֣ת מִנְחָ֑ה) that contrasted with their outward behavior.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The Lord shall cut off -This might be rendered, “May the Lord cut off,” implying a wish on the part of the psalmist that it might occur. But probably the common rendering is the correct one. It is the statement of a solemn truth, designed for warning, that all such persons would be punished. All flattering lips -The meaning is, that he will cut off all “persons” who use flattery; that is, he will cut them off from the favors which he will show to his own people, or will punish them. The word used here is the common one to denote disowning or excommunicating, and derives its meaning from the act of separating offenders from a community.

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