When Vileness is Exalted and the Faithful Vanish

 When Vileness is Exalted and the Faithful Vanish: A Reflection on Psalm 12 in Our Times

“On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.”

— Psalm 12:8 (ESV)

Thousands of years ago, David observed something deeply troubling in his generation—something that has only intensified in ours. In Psalm 12, David cries out with anguish as he witnesses truth being trampled, righteousness vanishing, and evil gaining dominance. His words serve not only as a personal lament but as a prophetic warning that is just as relevant today as when it was first written.

We are living in days when what is evil is praised, and what is holy is mocked. Psalm 12 is not merely ancient poetry—it is a mirror held up to our generation. Let us examine this psalm with open eyes and humble hearts.

The Rise of Wickedness and the Celebration of Vileness

“On every side the wicked prowl, as vileness is exalted among the children of man.”

— Psalm 12:8

This is a grim picture: the wicked are not hiding—they are prowling openly. And why? Because society now exalts vileness. That which God calls sinful, the world calls “brave,” “authentic,” or “progressive.”

Today, vileness is not just tolerated—it is promoted:

• Sexual immorality is celebrated and protected by law.

• Deception is rebranded as “personal truth.”

• Abortion is defended as freedom.

• Greed is called ambition.

• Pride is marketed as identity.

David’s lament is the spiritual reality of our headlines, social media feeds, classrooms, and even some church platforms. What should bring shame is now seen as a badge of honor. Isaiah’s warning stands fulfilled in our time:

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…” (Isaiah 5:20).

The Disappearance of the Faithful

“Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.”

— Psalm 12:1

David doesn’t just observe the wicked—he notices that the godly are disappearing. The righteous are few, and the voices of truth are becoming silent. In our age too, the faithful are becoming increasingly rare.

Why is this happening?

Why the Faithful Are Becoming Fewer:

1. Fear of Rejection

Faithfulness is costly. In a world where biblical truth is labeled hate speech, many believers remain silent or withdraw.

2. Compromise for Relevance

To appear loving and inclusive, many water down Scripture. They redefine sin and soften the gospel to make it more acceptable—but in doing so, strip it of its power.

3. Moral Confusion

When churches stop teaching the full counsel of God, believers are left spiritually malnourished, unable to discern truth from error.

4. Worldly Distractions

Entertainment, wealth, and comfort lure believers away from their spiritual calling. The flame of faith dims as the noise of the world gets louder.

The Cry for Salvation: “Save, O Lord!”

David does not look to human solutions. His cry is simple, desperate, and profound: “Save, O Lord!”Because when human wickedness is on full display and the faithful are few, only God can save—both from the wicked around us and the sin within us.

Just as Noah was saved from a corrupt generation, and just as Lot was rescued from Sodom, so also we need divine intervention today. We are not strong enough on our own. We need the One who is mighty to save.

The Word of God: Our Only Unshakable Foundation

Amid the chaos, David doesn’t despair. He turns to the one thing that never changes:

“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.”

— Psalm 12:6

In a time when words are used to manipulate, deceive, and destroy, God’s Word stands alone as pure, tested, and true. The phrase “purified seven times” symbolizes complete, flawless perfection. God’s Word is not influenced by time, culture, or trends.

Jesus affirmed this when He said,

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

— Matthew 24:35

In a world where morality is unstable and truth is relative, the Bible is our anchor, compass, and weapon.

The Urgent Call to Remain Faithful

As the faithful grow fewer, the temptation to compromise grows stronger. But the absence of faithfulness in others must never cause the extinguishing of faith within us.

This is our moment. Will we be counted among the faithful? God has always preserved a remnant, and He calls us to be part of it.

What Faithfulness Looks Like Today:

• Holding fast to Scripture when the world mocks it

• Speaking the truth in love even when it’s unpopular

• Choosing holiness over cultural acceptance

• Being courageous disciples even when it costs us

• Remaining rooted in Christ in a world that’s unmoored

Jesus warned:

“Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

— Matthew 24:12-13

Enduring faithfulness is the mark of a true disciple.

God Preserves the Faithful

“You, O Lord, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation forever.”

— Psalm 12:7

While evil may seem rampant, and the godly may seem few, God is never absent. He is actively preserving those who trust in Him. He guards His people not just from physical harm but from spiritual ruin. His protection is not just for today—but forever.

If we remain rooted in His Word, committed to His ways, and faithful to His name, we are not alone. God is our refuge, our fortress, and our keeper.

Conclusion: Shine in the Darkness

Psalm 12 is not just a lament—it is a call to action. In a time when vileness is exalted and the faithful are vanishing, we are called to be the remnant, to stand unashamed, and to cling to the Word of God.

Faithfulness is not popular, but it is powerful. And in the end, it is the faithful whom God will reward.

So, let us rise up with holy boldness. Let us echo David’s cry:

“Save, O Lord!”

And let us shine like stars in a crooked and twisted generation (Philippians 2:15), declaring that God’s Word is true, His ways are just, and His salvation is our only hope.

• Joshua Thangaraj Gnanasekar 

Founder and director of Academy of Christian studies, Pastor and Teacher at the Neelankarai and Kannaginagar Christian Asssemblies 

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