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 leader; on the sheminith. A psalm of David. Help, Lord, for the good are all gone, faithful people have vanished.

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

One lies to another, speaking empty lies, with flattering lips and false hearts they speak.

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

May the Lord cut off all the flattering lips, and the tongue that utters arrogance,

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

they declare, “Our tongue is our strength, our allies our lips: who is lord over us?”

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.

“The poor are despoiled, and the needy are sighing; so now I will act,” the Lord declares “And place them in the safety they long for.”

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 words that are pure, silver smelted, seven times refined.

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

You will keep us, Lord, and guard us from this generation forever,

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

in a world where the wicked prowl, and worthless people exalted.