Homeschool Moms Teach the Psalms (8-14)Sample

Psalm 12: Words Like Silver: Pure, Preserved Promises

Verse 1 of Psalm 12 gives a statement of distress and then it is followed up with reasons for that distress: 

“Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.”

Whatever caused the psalmist to think there was a lack of godly men is likely what makes us think the same now.

Verse 2 speaks of idle words with neighbors (it may now look like virulent social media content).

Verse 3 speaks of flattering lips and a “tongue that speaks proud things” (it may now look like mainstream media content).

Lest we think this does not pertain personally to us, we read in verse 4 of trying to prevail with our words, “With our tongue we will prevail” (it may now be like our own vain arguments).

Verse 4 also speaks of proud autonomy. “Our lips are our own; Who is lord over us?” (This is like saying, “No one can tell me what to say or what not to say.”)

In contrast to evil words, verses 6-7 say the Lord’s words are pure, they are preserved eternally, and His promises are sure. “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. You shall keep them, O Lord, You shall preserve them from this generation forever.”

The main representation of godliness or ungodliness centers around words. Throughout Scripture we read about the importance of both our own words and God’s words. Words carry weight. Words over our spouse or children can lift them up or tear them down. What comes out of our mouths should reflect God’s words that are pure, preserved promises. Exodus 34:6 says He is merciful and gracious. And 1 Peter 4:11 says we are to be speaking His words after Him: “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracle of God.”

To Do with the Kids:

Read Psalm 12 and discuss the distress ungodly words create compared to the purity of God’s words. Pull out anything silver you might have. Study verse 6 and find out how silver is refined. What is the extraction and refining process? Watch a short video on how to refine silver. Discuss the process of refining silver and emphasize the importance of creating a process to keep our own words pure.