Psalms

Oppression by the Wicked

12  Help, Lord, for no faithful one remains;the loyal have disappeared from the •human race. 2 They lie to one another;they speak with flattering lips and deceptive hearts. 3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lipsand the tongue that speaks boastfully. 4 They say, “Through our tongues we have power; Aour lips are our own — who can be our master? ” 

5† “Because of the oppression of the afflictedand the groaning of the poor,I will now rise up,” says the Lord.“I will put the one who longs for it in a safe place.” 

6† The words of the Lord are pure words,like silver refined in an earthen furnace,purified seven times. 

7 You, Lord, will guard us; You will protect us  from this generation forever. 8 The wicked wander B everywhere,and what is worthless is exalted by the human race.