Psalm 12 (11):3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Another translator, Symmachus, remarks that they spoke one thing in their hearts and something entirely different. The prophet refers to two forms of deceit: speaking vanity and speaking to their neighbor. By “vanity,” he indicates either deceitfulness or superfluous and unhelpful words. Paul echoes this sentiment when he instructs to ‘speak no lies one to another’ (Colossians 3:9). It is especially troubling that everyone is tainted. He did not specify certain individuals, but rather declared that ‘every one’ is affected. The wrongdoing is not merely an external issue; it also lies within the heart: ‘of the heart, and of the heart,’ or alternatively, as another translator conveys, in the heart of one person and another, hinting at significant duplicity present in their hearts.

Among the Hellenes, all is deceptive—wisdom, glory, and existence—yet truth, which is essential and beneficial, remains elusive. In their pursuit, they have exalted the created over the Creator, abandoning God by nature. Consequently, they have undermined the essence of truth.

A divided heart What does it mean to flatter? It involves expressing one thing while doing another. A mouth that flatters reflects a hardened heart. Because the heart lacks singleness, it is often referred to in relation to itself. The heart, indeed, is dual, dual in its nature.

Just as some paints and other materials are genuine while others are not, and as there exists both authentic and counterfeit porphyry, the same holds true for virtues, with real truth truly existing. Consequently, since these virtues have been twisted and corrupted but have not ceased to exist—rather, they have been separated from humanity—it is not accurate to claim that truths have been reduced; instead, they have been obscured by humanity's shortcomings.

The heart was filled with flattery, for while they addressed Him as teacher and good, their thoughts held different opinions about Him.

The emptiness of each person's words towards their own true self is evident. They feign friendship while behaving like adversaries, as they harbor malice within their hearts. With deceitful intent, they converse amongst themselves, one deceitfully whispers to his neighbor, and in return, the other responds in kind. Thus, the Prophet ultimately warns them of impending judgment.

The empty words of kijjdo addressed to his faithful companion. Everyone uttered hollow statements, characterized by deceit and falsehood. The people of that era not only deceived and mocked outsiders but also betrayed those close to them. In this context, David refers to a neighbor, not merely in terms of proximity, but in a deeper sense of kinship and nature. Athanasius notes that this term candidly highlights the disbelief among the Jews, which is why Moses famously rebuked them as 'the children of the faithless' (Deuteronomy 32:20). Cyril remarks that the Greeks possess many forms of falsehood, wisdom, glory, and life; however, one will find nothing that is truly necessary or beneficial within them.

The stated realities are not indeed realities; this is due, on one side, to unfaithfulness in agreements and, on the other, to teachings that lack thoughtful consideration.

Let no wickedness arise from our hearts, let no slander escape our lips, and let no sinful thoughts linger in our minds. In addition to that which may offend our ears, the prophet also critiques the hidden intentions of some, describing them as 'flattering lips in the mouth, and a heart that speaks evil.' Therefore, even the intentions of a heart unrenewed contribute to the sins of our speech. For whatever you harbor in your heart is spoken before God, who observes the innermost thoughts. Thus, consider whether your words may be forgiven by Him, for even your thoughts lie bare before Him.

People tend not to communicate with their neighbors without the desire to mislead and manipulate. This is not surprising; their hearts harbor flattering words, meaning they do not express themselves from a sincere and honest spirit, but rather from a treacherous heart. They harbor wicked thoughts within, speaking one way with their lips while their hearts convey something entirely different, thereby deceiving the unwary.

The ungodly Jews engage in empty words with one another, having been complicit in the crucifixion of Christ the Lord, who is eternal and invincible; although they profess reverence for Him, their hearts remain distant (Is. 29:13). Their emptiness mirrors that of the Pharisees and Sadducees: fleeting, worldly, and sinful—characteristics of their manner of living.