Show Don't Tell: Psalm 12

Instead of saying "God protects against deceptive speech," contrast the words. "Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race." Hyperbole of despair—it feels like everyone lies. "Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts." Words and hearts misaligned. "May the LORD silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—those who say, 'By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?'" The arrogance of wordsmiths who think rhetoric makes them untouchable. Then God speaks: "'Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,' says the LORD. 'I will protect them from those who malign them.'" Now—when the groaning reaches heaven. "And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times." Human words: deceptive. God's words: seven times refined. "You, LORD, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked, who freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men." The wicked strut because vileness is celebrated.