I first read 1 Corinthians 16. These verses stood out:

. 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

Then I read Psalm 12. The study note writers in my study Bible wrote this at the top of the Psalm:

Theme: The proud and lying words of people versus the true and pure words of God. A call for protection against those who try to manipulate us. Author: David

https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/12.html

1 (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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's what the study note writers wrote for this Psalm:

12:1. Living for God in a deceitful world can be a difficult and lonely battle. At one time the great prophet Elijah felt so lonely he wanted to die. But God told him there were 7,000 other faithful servants (1 Kings 19:4, 14, 18). We are never alone in our battle against evil. When you feel alone, seek out other believers for strength and support. [My comments are in brackets. I gotta say, I seek and find them here on GAW.]

12:2-4. We may be tempted to believe that lies are relatively harmless, even useful at times. But God does not overlook lies, flattery, deception or boasting. Each of these sins originates from a bad attitude that is eventually expressed in our speech. The tongue can be our greatest enemy because, though small, it can do great damage (James 3:5). Be careful how you use yours. [This rebuke of sorts hit home with me.]

12:5. God cares for the weak and the nneedy. Here He promises to protect the downtrodden and confront their oppressors. We should identify with God's attitude. His work is not done until we care for the needs of the poor.