Psalm 12

Oppression by the Wicked

For the choir director: according to Sheminith. k A psalm of David.

1   Help, LORD, for no faithful one remains;

the loyal have disappeared from the human race. G,l

2   They lie to one another;

they speak with flattering lips and deceptive hearts. m

3   May the LORD cut off all flattering lips

and the tongue that speaks boastfully. n

4   They say, “Through our tongues we have power;

our lips are our own—who can be our master? ” o

5   “Because of the devastation of the needy

and the groaning of the poor,

I will now rise up,” says the LORD.

“I will provide safety for the one who longs for it.” p

6   The words of the LORD are pure words,

like silver refined in an earthen furnace,

purified seven times. q

7   You, LORD, will guard us; H

you will protect us I from this generation forever. r

8   The wicked prowl J all around,

and what is worthless is exalted by the human race. s