Psalms 12

1 “For the leader of the music; to the octave. A psalm of David.” Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; The faithful are failing among 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 They speak falsehood one to another; With flattering lips, with a double heart, do they speak.

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

3 May the LORD destroy all flattering lips, And the tongue which speaketh proud things!

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

4 Who say, “With our tongues will we prevail; Our lips are our reliance; Who is lord over us?”

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

5 For the oppression of the poor and the sighing of the wretched, Now will I stand up, saith the LORD; I will set in safety him whom they puff at.

“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 pure; Like silver purified in a furnace on the earth, Seven times refined.

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

7 Thou, O LORD! will watch over them; Thou wilt preserve them from this generation for ever.

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

8 The wicked walk on every side, When the vilest of men are exalted.

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