Psalms 12

1 Unto the end; for the octave, a psalm for David. Save me, O Lord, for there is now no saint: truths are decayed from among the children of men.

Help, LORD; for the godly man ceases; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

2 They have spoken vain things every one to his neighbour: with deceitful lips, and with a double heart have they spoken.

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

3 May the Lord destroy all deceitful lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things.

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

4 Who have said: We will magnify our tongue; our lips are our own; who is Lord over us?

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

5 By reason of the misery of the needy, and the groans of the poor, now will I arise, saith the Lord. I win set him in safety; I will deal confidently in his regard.

For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, says the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffs at him.

6 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried by the fire, purged from the earth refined seven times.

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

7 Thou, O Lord, wilt preserve us: and keep us from this generation for ever.

You shall keep them, O LORD, you shall preserve them from this generation for ever.

8 The wicked walk round about: according to thy highness, thou best multiplied the children of men.

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