Psalms, chapter 12

(A psalm by David for the music leader.Psalm 12 leader: The Hebrew text adds “according to the sheminith,” which may be a musical instrument with eight strings.)

A Prayer for Help

lease help me, Lord! All who were faithful

and all who were loyal have disappeared.

2Everyone tells lies, and no one is sincere.

3Won't you chop off all flattering tongues

that brag so loudly?

4They say to themselves, “We are great speakers.

No one else has a chance.”

5But you, Lord, tell them, “I will do something!

The poor are mistreated and helpless people moan.

I'll rescue all who suffer.”

6Our Lord, you are true to your promises,

and your word is like silver

heated seven times in a fiery furnace.

7You will protect us

and always keep us safe from those people.

8But all who are wicked will keep on strutting,

while everyone praises their shameless deeds.