Psalms 12

1 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceases; for the faithful fail from among the children of 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 vanity every one with his neighbor: with flattering lips and 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 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things:

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

4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: 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, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, says the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffs at him.

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 words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

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

7 You shall keep them, O LORD, you shall 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 men are exalted.

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