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Daily Devotion: Psalm 12:5-8

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Psalm 12:5-8    "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.  (6)  The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  (7)  Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.  (8)  The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted."

This entire Psalm speaks of the boldness of those who have tendencies toward the carnal side of humanity. Some are spoken as being purely wicked, while others seem to be good people who have allowed the loose morals of leadership to sway them. One of the most spoken warnings of Christ was concerning the leaven of the Pharisees. "Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." (Luke 12:1)  His warnings were to His people that the tendencies of the world would not slip into and become part of the conversation and conduct of the Lord's people.

He warns and He also promises.  "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." (Psalm 12:5)  Again, Jesus spoke words to this effect in His sermon on the mount.  "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)  Because those who are vile try to override the righteous, the Lord has promised to rise up in defense.  Notice the wording, "I will arise" and "I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him."  The word, "puffeth", carries the meaning of trying to ensnare another, to kindle a fire, or to break apart.  One of the seven things that God hates, indeed are an abomination to him is "he that soweth discord among brethren."  When God says He hates something, it is a very dangerous thing for anyone to walk down that path.

We have the precious promise from the Lord that He will keep those who are poor in spirit. Another aspect spoken in the Sermon on the Mount concerns meekness.  "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5)  Some people misinterpret meekness to mean weakness. Actually it is quite opposite that. To be meek is to be strong enough to deny our own tendencies and place complete confidence and trust in the Lord. It seems to me our main task is to stay humble before the Lord. In fact, we are told that is one of the things God commands of His people.   "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8)   May we seek to follow these things in our lives.

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