Psalms 12

1 For the Leader; on the Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

“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.

2 They speak falsehood every one with his neighbour; with flattering lip, and with a double heart, do they speak.

They speak falsehood one to another; With flattering lips, with a double heart, do they speak.

3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, the tongue that speaketh proud things!

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

4 Who have said: 'Our tongue will we make mighty; our lips are with us: who is lord over us?'

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

5 'For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise', saith the LORD; 'I will set him in safety at whom they puff.'

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.

6 The words of the LORD are pure words, as silver tried in a crucible on the earth, refined seven times.

The words of the LORD are pure; Like silver purified in a furnace on the earth, Seven times refined.

7 Thou wilt keep them, O LORD; Thou wilt preserve us from this generation for ever.

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

8 The wicked walk on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

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