The Jews were taught to use only one set of weights for buying and selling. Literally, they were told not to have “a weight and a weight” (Deuteronomy 25:13). In Psalm 12, David speaks of those who have a “heart and a heart” (Psalm 12:2 KJV – marginal reading: Heb., “an heart and an heart”). That is, they speak with “a double heart” (cf. James 1:8; James 4:8). David knew that truthful speech was uncommon in the society of his day (just as it is in our day).
Flattery, false witness, untruths, boasting and lies, ruled the day. Many were using smooth talk to take advantage of the poor and uneducated. The situation was desperate and very depressing.
We feel with David. Listen to all the exaggerations and half-truths in advertising, in politics, or even in common conversation. Consider all of the broken promises that are made. Think of deception in business dealings or in romantic relationships.
What is a godly person to do?
David found strength through faith in God’s just ruling of the world. God has always been on the side of those who are wrongly oppressed (cf. Psalm 12:5; Proverbs 22:22; Zechariah 7:10; Malachi 3:5-6). In contrast to the deceptive words of sinful mankind, God’s words are completely pure (Psalm 12:6; Psalm 19:8).
Even though wickedness seemed to prevail and despair was an attractive option (Psalm 12:1-2), David trusted in God’s protection (Psalm 23:4). Like David, we are to trust in God’s protection as well (Psalm 18:2; Psalm 25:20; Psalm 30:7; Psalm 31:2; Psalm 144:2; Jeremiah 16:19).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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