Psalms 12:2

KJV

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

KJV (with Strong's)

They speak {H1696} vanity {H7723} every one {H376} with his neighbour {H7453}: with flattering {H2513} lips {H8193} and with a double {H3820} heart {H3820} do they speak {H1696}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They all tell lies to each other, flattering with their lips, but speaking from divided hearts.

Berean Standard Bible

They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.

American Standard Version

They speak falsehood every one with his neighbor: With flattering lip, and with a double heart, do they speak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 12:2 offers a poignant lament over the pervasive moral decay and societal corruption that troubled the psalmist, King David. It paints a stark picture of widespread insincerity and deceit, where human communication is driven by self-serving motives rather than truth. The verse highlights the prevalence of empty, manipulative speech originating from a divided and hypocritical heart, thereby eroding the very foundations of trust and genuine relationship within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 12 is a heartfelt lament, a desperate cry to God amidst a world characterized by ungodliness and falsehood. The psalmist, David, begins by noting the alarming disappearance of the godly and faithful from among mankind, setting a tone of despair and urgency, as seen in [the opening lament](/psalms/12-1 "Psalm 12:1 - The Vanishing Godly"). Verse 2 then specifies the nature of this societal corruption, detailing the prevalence of deceptive and untrustworthy speech that defines human interaction. This verse establishes the profound contrast that will be developed later in the psalm: the unreliable and corrupt words of humanity versus the pure, flawless, and eternally trustworthy words of the Lord, a theme powerfully articulated in [God's promises](/psalms/12-6 "Psalm 12:6 - The Purity of God's Words"). The psalm moves from a lament over human depravity to a declaration of confident trust in divine faithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for Psalm 12 is not explicitly stated, it reflects a period of moral and social decline common in ancient Israelite history, possibly during a time of political instability or widespread apostasy where righteous individuals felt isolated. In ancient Near Eastern societies, oral communication was paramount, and the integrity of one's word was foundational to social order, legal proceedings, and covenant relationships. The breakdown of truthful speech, as described in this verse, would have had severe implications, undermining justice, commerce, and interpersonal trust. The "neighbor" in this context often referred to a fellow member of the covenant community, making the betrayal of trust through deceitful speech particularly grievous within the framework of God's people, echoing the importance of truthfulness found in [the Mosaic Law](/exodus/20-16 "Exodus 20:16 - The Ninth Commandment").

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 12 and the broader Psalter. A central theme is the **Pervasive Deceit** of humanity, underscoring that dishonesty is not an isolated incident but a widespread characteristic of human interaction, making genuine trust difficult. This leads directly to the theme of **Hypocrisy and Insincerity**, as the verse starkly highlights a profound disconnect between outward words ("flattering lips") and inner intentions ("double heart"), demonstrating a fundamental lack of integrity. Consequently, the psalm addresses the **Erosion of Trust** within society, where the very foundation of reliable communication crumbles, creating an environment of suspicion and instability. These themes are set in sharp contrast to the **Purity and Reliability of God's Word**, which stands as the unchanging truth against the backdrop of human falsehood, providing solace and a firm foundation for the righteous, as declared in [the psalmist's confidence](/psalms/12-6 "Psalm 12:6 - The Purity of God's Words").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vanity (Hebrew, _shâvᵉʼ_):** This term (H7723) denotes emptiness, falsehood, worthlessness, or deceit. When applied to speech, it implies words that are not only untrue but also ultimately meaningless, destructive, or lacking substance and integrity. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe idols (e.g., [the vanity of idols](/deuteronomy/32-21 "Deuteronomy 32:21 - Idols as Vanity")) or empty promises, signifying that which is void of truth or reality.
* **Flattering (Hebrew, _chelqâh_):** This word (H2513) is feminine of a root meaning "smoothness." Figuratively, it refers to flattery or smooth talk. When applied to speech, it describes words that are smooth, enticing, or pleasing to the ear, but are insincere and designed to manipulate, deceive, or gain an advantage. It suggests a subtle, artful form of dishonesty, often used to conceal true intentions behind a veneer of pleasantness.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb_):** This term (H3820) refers to the heart, but is used figuratively very widely for the feelings, the will, and even the intellect, as well as the center of anything. In the phrase "double heart," it signifies a divided heart, a lack of single-mindedness, or profound inconsistency. It speaks to duplicity, hypocrisy, and unreliability, where one's inner intentions are at odds with their spoken words, representing a person who presents one facade while harboring another, often self-serving, intention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They speak vanity every one with his neighbour:"** This initial clause establishes the pervasive and widespread nature of deceit. "Vanity" (H7723, _shâvᵉʼ_) signifies speech that is empty, false, or worthless. The phrase "every one" (H376, _ʼîysh_) "with his neighbour" (H7453, _rêaʻ_) underscores that this dishonesty is not an isolated incident but has permeated common, everyday interactions, making genuine trust and sincere communication rare within the community. It paints a picture of a society where integrity in speech has largely vanished.
* **"[with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak."** This second clause elaborates on the *manner* and *source* of the deceit. "Flattering" (H2513, _chelqâh_) "lips" (H8193, _sâphâh_) describes the deceptive outward appearance of their words—smooth, enticing, and seemingly pleasant, designed to manipulate or conceal true motives. The phrase "with a double heart" (H3820, _lêb_) then reveals the corrupt inner disposition from which these words originate. It signifies a divided, hypocritical heart, where true intentions are hidden, and inconsistency reigns, exposing the profound insincerity behind the smooth talk and highlighting a fundamental lack of moral integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 12:2 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of widespread deceit and moral corruption. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, where the two clauses ("They speak vanity every one with his neighbour" and "with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak") reinforce and elaborate upon the same core idea of insincere speech, building intensity. The phrase "every one with his neighbour" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the universality of the problem and suggesting that deceit is so prevalent it seems to affect everyone. **Metonymy** is present in "flattering lips," where "lips" stand in for the speech itself, drawing attention to the deceptive nature of the words uttered. Most powerfully, "double heart" is a vivid **Metaphor** for duplicity and hypocrisy, painting a picture of an inner self divided against itself, unable to maintain integrity. This imagery effectively communicates the profound moral corruption at the root of the deceptive communication, contrasting sharply with the unified and truthful nature of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 12:2 powerfully articulates the biblical concern for the integrity of speech and the devastating impact of falsehood on human relationships and society. It underscores that deceit is not merely a social ill but a profound theological problem, reflecting a heart alienated from God's truth and righteousness. The "double heart" is antithetical to the single-minded devotion and wholehearted obedience God desires from His people, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love God with All Your Heart"). In stark contrast to the vanity and unreliability of human words, the psalmist finds solace and security in the pure and reliable words of the Lord, establishing a profound theological contrast between human corruption and divine faithfulness, a theme explicitly stated in [Psalm 12:6](/psalms/12-6 "Psalm 12:6 - The Purity of God's Words"). This theme resonates throughout Scripture, calling believers to embody truthfulness as an essential aspect of their walk with God and a reflection of His character.

* [Proverbs 26:28](/proverbs/26-28 "Proverbs 26:28 - Lying Lips Hate Those They Wound")
* [James 1:8](/james/1-8 "James 1:8 - The Double-Minded Man")
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speaking Truth to One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 12:2 serves as a timeless mirror, inviting believers to critically examine the integrity of their own speech and the communication patterns within their communities. In a world saturated with information, often laced with spin, manipulation, and outright falsehood, the psalmist's lament remains acutely relevant. This verse challenges us to cultivate discernment, not only about the words we hear from others but, more importantly, about the motives behind our own words. Are our lips "flattering," seeking to manipulate or gain advantage, or do they speak truth in love? Does our heart remain "double," harboring hidden agendas, or is it single-minded in its pursuit of God's righteousness and genuine connection with others? The call is to move beyond superficial pleasantries to authentic, truthful communication that builds trust, honors God, and reflects the character of Christ, who is truth itself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "flattering lips" manifest in my own communication, and what are the underlying motivations for such speech?**
* **How does a "double heart" hinder genuine relationships, both with others and in my walk with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater integrity and sincerity in my daily speech, ensuring my words align with my heart?**
* **How can I better discern "vanity" and falsehood in the messages I receive from the world around me, and how should I respond to them?**

### FAQ
**What does "speak vanity" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Speak vanity" (Hebrew, _shâvᵉʼ_) means to speak emptiness, falsehood, worthlessness, or deceit. It refers to speech that lacks truth, substance, or integrity. This can include outright lies, empty promises, manipulative words, or any communication that ultimately leads to nothing good or true. In the context of [Psalms 12:2](/psalms/12-2 "Psalm 12:2 - The Prevalence of Deceit"), it emphasizes that the words spoken by people are not just inaccurate but are fundamentally devoid of value and often serve destructive purposes, contrasting sharply with the pure and reliable words of God found in [Psalms 12:6](/psalms/12-6 "Psalm 12:6 - The Purity of God's Words").

**How does "flattering lips" relate to a "double heart"?**

Answer: "Flattering lips" describes the outward manifestation of deceitful speech—words that are smooth, enticing, or pleasing to the ear, designed to manipulate or conceal true intentions. A "double heart" (Hebrew, _lêb_) is the internal source of this deceit; it signifies a divided, inconsistent, or hypocritical inner disposition. The "flattering lips" are the deceptive instrument, while the "double heart" is the duplicitous core that generates such insincere communication. One's words do not align with their true motives, creating a profound disconnect between appearance and reality, as highlighted in [James 1:8](/james/1-8 "James 1:8 - The Double-Minded Man") regarding the double-minded man.

**Is this psalm only about ancient society, or does it apply today?**

Answer: While rooted in an ancient context, the themes of [Psalms 12:2](/psalms/12-2 "Psalm 12:2 - The Prevalence of Deceit") are profoundly relevant today. Human nature, with its propensity for self-interest and deceit, remains constant across generations. In contemporary society, "vanity," "flattering lips," and "double hearts" manifest in various forms, from political spin and advertising manipulation to social media posturing, gossip, and interpersonal insincerity. The psalm serves as a timeless warning against the erosion of truth and trust in any society, urging believers to uphold integrity in speech and to seek discernment, just as the psalmist did.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 12:2, with its lament over pervasive human deceit and the "double heart," finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of truth, the Word made flesh, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), whose speech was always pure, without "vanity" or "flattering lips." Unlike those with a "double heart," Jesus spoke with absolute integrity and single-minded devotion to the Father's will, affirming, "I always do what pleases him" in [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father"). His entire ministry was characterized by truthfulness, even when it led to opposition and ultimately the cross, for He is [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Furthermore, Christ's atoning work on the cross addresses the very root of the "double heart"—the sin nature that inclines humanity towards deceit and hypocrisy. Through His sacrifice, believers are given a new heart and a new spirit, as promised in [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit"), enabling them to speak truth in love, as exhorted in [Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love"), and to live with integrity, reflecting the character of the One who is "full of grace and truth" in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the pure Word of God, standing in stark contrast to all human vanity and deceit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 16:18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Jeremiah 9:8

Their tongue [is as] an arrow shot out; it speaketh deceit: [one] speaketh peaceably to his neighbour with his mouth, but in heart he layeth his wait.

Psalms 41:6

And if he come to see [me], he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; [when] he goeth abroad, he telleth [it].

Psalms 10:7

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.

Psalms 144:8

Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand [is] a right hand of falsehood.

Psalms 5:9

For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

Psalms 28:3

Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief [is] in their hearts.