< Psalms 12 >
1 For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.
2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.
3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.
4 They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”
5 “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”
6 The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.
7 You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation.
8 The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men.