Psalms 12

1For the leader; on the sheminith. A psalm of David.

2Help, O ETERNAL One!For the faithful are no more;the loyal have vanished from among mortals.

3People speak lies to one another;their speech is smooth;they talk with duplicity.

4May GOD cut off all flattering lips,every tongue that speaks arrogance.

5They say, “By our tongues we shall prevail;with lips such as ours, who can be our master?”

6“Because of the groans of the plundered poor and needy,I will now act,” says GOD.“I will give help,” [God] affirms to them.

7GOD’s words are pure words,silver purged in an earthen crucible,refined sevenfold.

8You, O ETERNAL One, will keep them,guarding each from this age evermore.

9On every side the wicked roamwhen baseness is exalted among mortals.