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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 12, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.] Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. {upon...: or, upon the eighth} {Help: or, Save}
Psalms 12:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: {with} flattering lips {and} with a double heart do they speak. {a double...: Heb. an heart and an heart}
Psalms 12:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, {and} the tongue that speaketh proud things: {proud: Heb. great}
Psalms 12:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips {are} our own: who {is} lord over us? {are...: Heb. are with us}
Psalms 12:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set {him} in safety {from him that} puffeth at him. {puffeth...: or, would ensnare him}
Psalms 12:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 The words of the LORD {are} pure words: {as} silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Psalms 12:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. {them from: Heb. him, etc: that is, every one of them, etc}
Psalms 12:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted. {men: Heb. of the sons of the men}
Psalms 12:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.