Psalms 12
The psalmist laments the disappearance of godly and faithful people, and the prevalence of deceitful and boastful speech. The Lord responds by promising to cut off the flattering lips and boastful tongues of the wicked. The Lord also vows to protect the weak and needy from their oppressors, and to keep the faithful safe from harm. The psalm concludes by noting the wicked are currently thriving in a society that honors vile things.
1Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.2Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception.3May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue4that says, "We will triumph with our tongues; we own our lips -who is our master?"5"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them."6And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.7O LORD, you will keep us safe and protect us from such people forever.8The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.
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