Psalm 12

1. (0) For the leader. On sh’minit [low-pitched musical instruments?]. A psalm of David:

2. (1) Help, Adonai! For no one godly is left; 2 the faithful have vanished from humankind.

3. (2) They all tell lies to each other, 3 flattering with their lips, but speaking from divided hearts.

4. (3) May Adonai cut off all flattering lips 4 and the tongue that speaks so proudly,

5. (4) those who say, “By our tongues, we will prevail; 5 our lips are with us. Who can master us?”

6. (5) “Because the poor are oppressed, 6 because the needy are groaning, 6 I will now rise up,” says Adonai, 6 “and grant security to those whom they scorn.”

7. (6) The words of Adonai are pure words, 7 silver in a melting-pot set in the earth, 7 refined and purified seven times over.

8. (7) You, Adonai, protect us; 8 guard us forever from this generation —

9. (8) the wicked strut about everywhere 9 when vileness is held in general esteem.