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"Help, Lord!" This is the wailing supplication of a soul oppressed with the degeneracy of society. It is a cry for security amid an evil epidemic. This Psalm marks off the steps of social degradation. We can see the progressive descents from the worship of God to the exaltation of vileness. Regard these stages of decline in their relationship to the individual. Society only reflects the individual man. Regard the passage as a vivid description of the degeneracy of a soul.

1. The decay of the sense of reverence. The beginning of degeneracy is to lose touch with God. We lose our touch with God when we cease to feel after Him. It is the effort to feel that preserves the sensitive touch.

2. The decay of the sense of honour. Faithfulness faileth, the dependableness of character is impaired. When reverence is benumbed, trustfulness is broken.

3. The decay of the sense of responsibility. "Our lips are our own; who is Lord over us? ' The perversion of honour destroys the sense of responsibility. Men become self-centred, and therefore blinded.

4. The decay of the sense of humanity. "The spoiling of the poor, the sighing of the needy." Where irresponsibility reigns, cruelty abounds. The birth of cruelty synchronises with the death of reverence.

5. The decay of the sense of right. "Vileness is exalted." This is the last stage of the appalling degradation. Evil at length becomes man's good. He has lost his moral discernment. How can we be saved from this perilous decline? The wish to be saved is the beginning of salvation. Exercise thyself in feeling, and thou shalt become expert in touching. Everywhere and at all times be reaching out for God. Pray for Him everywhere. The good Lord is dependable; He is better than His word.

(J. H. Jowett, M. A.)

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KJV: {To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.} Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

WEB: Help, Yahweh; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men.