Oppression by the Wicked
For the choir director: according to Sheminith. 12:title 1Ch 15:21; Ps 6 title A psalm of David.
1 Help, Lord, for no faithful one remains;
the loyal have disappeared from the human race. 12:1 Or the descendants of Adam, also in v. 8, 12:1 Ps 14:2–3; 53:2–3; Mc 7:2
2 They lie to one another;
they speak with flattering lips and deceptive hearts. 12:2 Ps 41:6; 144:8; Jr 9:8
3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips
and the tongue that speaks boastfully. 12:3 Ps 5:9
4 They say, "Through our tongues we have power;
our lips are our own — who can be our master? " 12:4 Ps 73:8–9
5 "Because of the devastation of the needy
and the groaning of the poor,
I will now rise up," says the Lord.
"I will provide safety for the one who longs for it." 12:5 Ps 9:18; 72:4
6 The words of the Lord are pure words,
like silver refined in an earthen furnace,
purified seven times. 12:6 Ps 18:30; 119:140; Pr 30:5
7 You, Lord, will guard us; 12:7 Some Hb mss, LXX, Jer; other Hb mss read them
you will protect us 12:7 Some Hb mss, LXX; other Hb mss read him from this generation forever. 12:7 Ps 37:28; 97:10
8 The wicked prowl 12:8 Lit walk about all around,
and what is worthless is exalted by the human race. 12:8 Ps 4:2; 119:37