Psalms 12

1 For the chief music-maker on the Sheminith. A Psalm. Of David. Send help, Lord, for mercy has come to an end; there is no more faith among the children of men.

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 Everyone says false words to his neighbour: their tongues are smooth in their talk, and their hearts are full of deceit.

They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.

3 The smooth lips and the tongue of pride will be cut off by the Lord.

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.

4 They have said, With our tongues will we overcome; our lips are ours: who is lord over us?

They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”

5 Because of the crushing of the poor and the weeping of those in need, now will I come to his help, says the Lord; I will give him the salvation which he is desiring.

“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 true words: like silver tested by fire and burned clean seven times.

The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.

7 You will keep them, O Lord, you will keep them safe from this generation for ever.

You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation.

8 The sinners are walking on every side, and evil is honoured among the children of men.

The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men.