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
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