When Vileness Is Honored
The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.
Psalms 12:8 (NIV)
David describes inversion: the wicked strut everywhere when vileness is honored among men. The psalm's purpose cries for help in crooked times. When villains become heroes, the righteous hide. Cultures applauding corruption produce pride. Social thermometers measure moral fevers. David read newspapers with altar eyes.
The wicked freely strut: pride is perceived-impunity's symptom. When nothing happens to the corrupt, the corrupt parade. Pride's purpose intimidates the righteous. Strutting is strategy: normalizing vileness. But pride precedes falls in every proverb. Today's parades, tomorrow's mourning. God watches silently acting rightly.
When vileness is honored: roots lie in exchanged honor. Societies elect idols reaping tyrants. The righteous's purpose those days is refusing sale. David neither joined nor deserted: he prayed. Psalms are born in vile times. Guard your honor when honors sell. Faithfulness costs rise in corrupt markets.
Today, answer pride prayerfully: Lord, rescue! Never envy villains' parades nor imitate methods. Your discreet faithfulness's purpose is being beacons. The proud pass; the faithful remain. Today's psalm comforts tomorrow's righteous. Pray, wait, remain.
And pray in inversion: vile times breed psalms. Pray in inversion today. Vile times breed. Cry rescue. Hope on. Hold fast. Remain. Abide.