Darkness thrives when sin is praised rather than exposed.
David, who served as the second king of Israel around 1010-970 BC, authored many of the Psalms under divine inspiration. In Psalm 12, he laments the moral decay around him. He concludes in verse 8 by observing how evil actions flourish when society chooses to elevate that which is base and corrupt. He writes, “The wicked strut about on every side when vileness is exalted among the sons of men” (v.8). This portrayal highlights that unrighteousness gains momentum when it is not challenged and when leaders or communities glamorize wrong behavior.
Within the broader biblical context, the psalmist’s words remind us that the conduct of a society often reflects its values; when truth and virtue are discarded, wickedness can appear to roam freely. The exaltation of sin mentioned in “when vileness is exalted among the sons of men” (v.8) echoes the moral pitfalls humanity faces when it turns away from God’s righteous standards. The collective acceptance or endorsement of sin only heightens its destructive influence, as seen throughout Israel’s history. Ultimately, this leads to a breakdown of the moral order that the Lord desires for His people, prompting believers to yearn for God’s intervention.
In the New Testament, Jesus similarly admonishes His followers not to be swayed by societal evils but rather to stand firm in uprightness (Matthew 5:14-16). The psalmist’s observation in “The wicked strut about on every side” (v.8) is a sober reminder that the faithful must remain alert and prayerful when the majority views sin as acceptable. Despite the apparent dominance of evil, God honors those who abide in truth, reflecting His holiness in a fallen world.
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Psalms 12:8 meaning
David, who served as the second king of Israel around 1010-970 BC, authored many of the Psalms under divine inspiration. In Psalm 12, he laments the moral decay around him. He concludes in verse 8 by observing how evil actions flourish when society chooses to elevate that which is base and corrupt. He writes, “The wicked strut about on every side when vileness is exalted among the sons of men” (v.8). This portrayal highlights that unrighteousness gains momentum when it is not challenged and when leaders or communities glamorize wrong behavior.
Within the broader biblical context, the psalmist’s words remind us that the conduct of a society often reflects its values; when truth and virtue are discarded, wickedness can appear to roam freely. The exaltation of sin mentioned in “when vileness is exalted among the sons of men” (v.8) echoes the moral pitfalls humanity faces when it turns away from God’s righteous standards. The collective acceptance or endorsement of sin only heightens its destructive influence, as seen throughout Israel’s history. Ultimately, this leads to a breakdown of the moral order that the Lord desires for His people, prompting believers to yearn for God’s intervention.
In the New Testament, Jesus similarly admonishes His followers not to be swayed by societal evils but rather to stand firm in uprightness (Matthew 5:14-16). The psalmist’s observation in “The wicked strut about on every side” (v.8) is a sober reminder that the faithful must remain alert and prayerful when the majority views sin as acceptable. Despite the apparent dominance of evil, God honors those who abide in truth, reflecting His holiness in a fallen world.