A Theology of Prayer - Struggles in Prayer

Study 40

Text: Psalm 12

THE ARROGANCE OF THE UNGODLY

In the absence of a strong community of righteous people, we are bound to see the rise of the arrogance of the ungodly. The following text well describes just how arrogant unrighteous people can become.

"They speak idly everyone to his neighbour;
With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.
May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
And the tongue that speaks proud things,
Who have said,
'With our tongues will prevail;
Our lips are our own;
Who is lord over us.'"
Psalm 12:2-4

1. "Speaking idly"

This is a description of a person who speaks without any sense of regard for God or propriety. The text suggests that this is a widespread problem.

2. "Flattering lips and a double heart"

How do the ungodly speak? They speak nothing but lies. They do not mean a thing they say. Everybody seems to know how to "play this game."

3. "Proud things"

We have another word added to the above list. The word "proud" suggests "arrogance." The subject content of their conversations suggests "exaltation of self."

a) "With our tongues we will prevail"

What arrogance! The ungodly feel that they are subject to no one. On the contrary, they feel they would be able to prevail against everyone!

b) "Who is lord over us?"

How arrogant could a person become? This challenge was nothing short of an affront to God Himself!

A MUCH-NEEDED PRAYER

How does one respond in such a tough environment? The Psalmist David offered a prayer that came from the depths of his heart.

"May the Lord cut off all flattering lips
And the tongue that speaks proud things"
Psalm 12:3

How needful is this prayer! The battle is the Lord's! The faithful and the godly must cry out to the Lord to be directly and personally involved in this spiritual battle. May we send forth this prayer in a world where human arrogance seems to know no bounds at all. Let us cry out, "Help, Lord…"

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~