Psalms 12

1 For the Leader; on the Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

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.

2 They speak falsehood every one with his neighbour; with flattering lip, and with a double heart, do they speak.

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

3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaketh proud things!

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

4 Who have said: 'Our tongue will we make mighty; our lips are with us: who is lord over us?'

They have said, With our tongues will we overcome; our lips are ours: 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 at whom they puff.'

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.

6 The words of the LORD are pure words, as silver tried in a crucible on the earth, refined seven times.

The words of the Lord are true words: like silver tested by fire and burned clean seven times.

7 Thou wilt keep them, O LORD; Thou wilt preserve us from this generation for ever.

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

8 The wicked walk on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

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