Meaning of Psalms 12:8

This verse, Psalms 12:8, describes a lament over the pervasiveness of wickedness and the devaluation of true worth in society. The "strutting about" signifies a bold and unashamed display of arrogance and self-importance, particularly from those who are morally corrupt or deceitful. This behavior is contrasted with the fact that "what is vile is honored by the human race," meaning that evil, impurity, and dishonesty are not only tolerated but actively celebrated and elevated. This creates a disturbing societal inversion where virtue is suppressed and vice is applauded, leading to a spiritual and moral decay that the psalmist deeply mourns.

Context and Background

Psalms 12 is part of the collection of psalms attributed to David, and it addresses a situation of widespread deceit and injustice. The psalmist observes a world where flatterers and liars are in positions of influence, and the faithful are seemingly abandoned or silenced. The opening verses speak of a lack of faithfulness and truth among people, leading to a sense of desolation. This verse, coming towards the end of the psalm, serves as a stark observation of the consequence of such moral corruption: the wicked not only persist but flourish and are even held in high esteem.

Key Themes and Messages

• Moral Inversion: The central theme is the reversal of societal values, where wickedness is praised and righteousness is scorned or ignored.
• Arrogance of the Wicked: The "strutting about" highlights the unrepentant pride and brazenness of those who engage in evil. They are not hiding their deeds but displaying them with confidence.
• Societal Decay: The verse points to a broader societal decline where the foundations of truth and justice are eroded, leading to a dangerous environment for the godly.
• Lament and Observation: The psalm's overall tone is one of lament, observing the lamentable state of affairs and seeking divine intervention.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse serves as a warning against complacency in the face of moral compromise. It calls believers to be discerning of the values that a culture promotes and to resist the temptation to conform to or celebrate what is inherently wrong. The "vile" being honored can represent anything that dishonors God, such as greed, dishonesty, impurity, or cruelty, when these are normalized and even glorified in media, popular culture, or public discourse. The spiritual significance lies in maintaining a clear moral compass, holding fast to God's truth, and praying for a restoration of righteous values, even when it feels like the world is actively promoting the opposite.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This theme of societal moral inversion and the suffering of the righteous is a recurring motif throughout the Bible. From the corruption in the days of Noah and the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah to the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, there is a consistent portrayal of humanity's tendency to stray from God's ways and the consequences thereof. The New Testament, particularly in the epistles, often warns against the "fleshly lusts" and the "ways of the world" that are contrary to God's will. This verse fits within this narrative as an ancient expression of a perennial problem that continues to challenge believers across generations.

Analogies

One analogy for this verse is a theater where the actors playing villains are given standing ovations and the heroes are booed off stage. The "vile" are the villainous characters, and their "honor" is the applause and praise they receive. The "strutting about" is their confident performance, and the "human race" is the audience that rewards them. Another analogy is a marketplace where counterfeit currency is openly accepted and valued more highly than genuine money; the counterfeit is the "vile" being honored, and the merchants who readily accept it are "strutting about" in their ill-gotten gains.

Relation to Other Verses

Psalms 12:8 resonates with several other biblical passages:

• Proverbs 17:15: "The one who justifies the wicked and condemns the righteous are both an abomination to the LORD." This proverb directly addresses the societal inversion described in Psalms 12:8, highlighting God's disapproval of such a state.
• Isaiah 5:20: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" This prophetic declaration echoes the sentiment of Psalms 12:8, condemning the perversion of moral understanding.
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: This passage lists various "wrongdoers" and states they will not inherit the kingdom of God, implying that society's honor of such things is contrary to God's ultimate judgment and values.
• 2 Timothy 3:1-5: This passage describes the "terrible times" in the last days, characterized by people who are lovers of themselves, greedy, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, etc. It notes that while they may have a form of godliness, they deny its power, reflecting a similar societal acceptance of ungodliness.