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 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 one to another; With flattering lips, 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 destroy all flattering lips, And the tongue which speaketh proud things!

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

4 Who say, “With our tongues will we prevail; Our lips are our reliance; 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 and the sighing of the wretched, Now will I stand up, saith the LORD; I will set in safety him whom they puff at.

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

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

7 Thou, O LORD! will watch over them; Thou wilt preserve them 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 the vilest of men are exalted.

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