Bible Quiz – Psalm 12 (Subjective Questions)

 

Bible Quiz – Psalm 12 (Subjective Questions) 

Psalm 12 is a short psalm—but it carries deep spiritual weight. Written in a time of moral collapse, it exposes the danger of deceptive speech, the pride of unchecked words, and the quiet suffering of the faithful.

This Advanced / Tricky Bible Quiz on Psalm 12 is designed not merely to test memory, but to challenge careful reading, theological understanding, and spiritual discernment.

These questions invite you to slow down, notice the details, wrestle with meaning, and reflect on how God’s pure words stand in sharp contrast to human deceit.

 

Instructions

Read Psalm 12 carefully before attempting the quiz (preferably from the KJV or your preferred translation).

 Answer the questions in your own words—these are subjective and interpretive, not one-line answers.

 Some questions are intentionally tricky and may have more than one reasonable explanation.

 Focus on context, contrast, symbolism, and theology, not just isolated verses.

 Use this quiz for personal study, group discussion, Sunday school, or Bible competitions.

 

Tip: Keep your Bible open as you answer—this quiz rewards close reading!

 

Bible Quiz – Psalm 12 (Subjective Questions)

 

1. Why does David cry out to the LORD at the beginning of Psalm 12?

Answer:

David cries out because godly and faithful people have disappeared, and truthfulness has vanished from among mankind.

Complete Reference Verse:

Psalm 12:1 (KJV)

Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

 

2. What sin of speech does David highlight as widespread among people?

Answer:

David points out lying, flattering lips, and double-hearted speech as common sins.

Complete Reference Verse:

Psalm 12:2 (KJV)

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

 

3. What judgment does David pray for against deceitful speakers?

Answer:

David prays that the LORD would cut off flattering lips and proud tongues that boast arrogantly.

Complete Reference Verse:

Psalm 12:3 (KJV)

The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:

 

4. What attitude do the proud reveal about their speech and authority?

Answer:

They believe their tongues give them power and claim independence from any lord or authority.

Complete Reference Verse:

Psalm 12:4 (KJV)

Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

 

5. What reason does the LORD give for rising up to act?

Answer:

The LORD rises because of the oppression of the poor and the groaning of the needy.

Complete Reference Verse:

Psalm 12:5 (KJV)

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.

 

6. How are the words of the LORD described in contrast to human speech?

Answer:

God’s words are described as pure, refined, and completely trustworthy.

Complete Reference Verse:

Psalm 12:6 (KJV)

The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

 

7. What promise does David express regarding God’s protection?

Answer:

David affirms that the LORD will preserve and protect His people from corrupt generations forever.

Complete Reference Verse:

Psalm 12:7 (KJV)

Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

 

8. How does Psalm 12 describe the moral condition of society at the end?

Answer:

It describes a society where the wicked walk freely and evil is exalted among people.

Complete Reference Verse:

Psalm 12:8 (KJV)

The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

 

Key Learning from Psalm 12

Human words may deceive, but God’s Word is pure and dependable.

God hears the cry of the poor, oppressed, and faithful.

Divine protection is sure, even when wickedness seems dominant.

 

Advanced Subjective Questions

 

1. In Psalm 12:1, who exactly has “ceased” and who has “failed,” and what is the subtle distinction between the two?

Answer:

“The godly” refers to those devoted to God in character and covenant loyalty, while “the faithful” emphasizes reliability and truthfulness in relationships. The verse suggests both spiritual devotion and moral integrity are disappearing.

Reference Verse:

Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. (Psalm 12:1, KJV)

 

2. How does Psalm 12 portray speech as a moral weapon rather than a neutral tool?

Answer:

Speech is depicted as an instrument of deception, pride, and oppression—used intentionally to manipulate and dominate others rather than communicate truth.

Reference Verse:

They speak vanity… with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (Psalm 12:2, KJV)

 

3. What does the phrase “double heart” imply about inner character, not merely spoken words?

Answer:

“Double heart” implies divided loyalty—outward sincerity masking inward corruption—indicating hypocrisy rooted in the heart, not merely the tongue.

Reference Verse:

…with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (Psalm 12:2, KJV)

 

4. In Psalm 12:3–4, what false theology about authority do the proud implicitly hold?

Answer:

They believe linguistic power grants autonomy and reject divine accountability, assuming that mastery of speech equates to sovereignty.

Reference Verse:

With our tongue will we prevail… who is lord over us? (Psalm 12:4, KJV)

 

5. Why is God’s response in Psalm 12:5 introduced with “now will I arise,” and what does this timing suggest?

Answer:

The phrase suggests divine patience has reached its limit; God acts at the precise moment when human oppression becomes intolerable.

Reference Verse:

…now will I arise, saith the LORD… (Psalm 12:5, KJV)

 

6. Who is the “him” set in safety in Psalm 12:5, and why is the ambiguity significant?

Answer:

The “him” represents any oppressed or needy person. The ambiguity universalizes God’s promise of protection to all who suffer injustice.

Reference Verse:

I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him. (Psalm 12:5, KJV)

 

7. How does the metaphor of silver refined “seven times” function theologically rather than numerically?

Answer:

Seven symbolizes completeness and perfection, emphasizing absolute purity—not a literal refining count.

Reference Verse:

…as silver tried… purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6, KJV)

 

8. In Psalm 12:6–7, what contrast is deliberately drawn between human words and God’s words?

Answer:

Human words are deceptive and self-serving, while God’s words are pure, tested, and preservative—capable of sustaining generations.

Reference Verses:

The words of the LORD are pure words… (Psalm 12:6, KJV)

Thou shalt keep them, O LORD… (Psalm 12:7, KJV)

 

9. What interpretive challenge exists in the pronoun “them” in Psalm 12:7, and how is it commonly resolved?

Answer:

“Them” may refer either to God’s words or God’s people. Context favors God’s people, preserved by His pure promises.

Reference Verse:

Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. (Psalm 12:7, KJV)

 

10. Why does Psalm 12 end without a resolution to wickedness, and what does this teach about faith?

Answer:

The psalm ends realistically—wickedness persists—but faith rests not in visible change, but in God’s unchanging promise.

Reference Verse:

The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted. (Psalm 12:8, KJV)

 

11. How does Psalm 12 function as both lament and assurance without contradiction?

Answer:

It laments moral decay while simultaneously affirming divine purity and protection—showing faith that trusts God amid chaos.

 

12. Identify the central irony of Psalm 12 regarding speech.

Answer:

Human speech corrupts and destroys, while God’s speech heals, protects, and preserves—speech itself becomes the battleground.

 

Did this quiz make you think deeper about God’s Word?

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Lord God,

We thank You for Your Word, which is pure, tested, and trustworthy.

In a world filled with confusing voices and empty words, help us to cling to Your truth.

Guard our hearts from pride, our tongues from deceit, and our lives from compromise.

Teach us to speak words that honor You and bring life to others.

Preserve us, O Lord, in this generation, and make us faithful witnesses of Your truth.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.