Almost all of us have experienced forgetting a word or a name so we cannot say what we mean. It is very annoying. For people unable to speak, who are dumb or have had a stroke it can be terribly frustrating - their very personality is boxed in. Our humanity is expressed in communication and speech. Thus, being unable to speak is a frustration of our humanity. Psalm 12 is all about the abuse of words. When words are misused, the very foundation of our humanity is endangered. King David who wrote the psalm felt almost alone in crying for truth. " Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbour; their flattering lips speak with deception." David sees a just and honest of society disappearing all around him. In verses 2 and 3 he speaks of 'lies', 'flattering lips', 'deception' and 'boastful' words. The word 'lies' is literally 'empty talk'. Not just deliberate falsehood, but insincere talk - that cheapens and corrodes conversation and discussion. Insincere talk corrodes our respect for our politicians and leaders. We get bored with their arguments because we know that very often they don't mean what they say. Then there is 'flattery'. Literally: smooth talk that gives pleasure, but its aim is to manipulate us for another purpose. Sometimes we like to be flattered! But it is deadly and creates addiction. May God forgive us for our misuse of the wonderful gift of speech. NBF meet 6.30 pm Sundays - phone 01834 861391 or just turn up!
