1 Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore;

those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.

2 Everyone lies to their neighbor;

they flatter with their lips

but harbor deception in their hearts.

3 May the Lord silence all flattering lips

and every boastful tongue—

4 those who say,

"By our tongues we will prevail;

our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?"

5 "Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan,

I will now arise," says the Lord.

"I will protect them from those who malign them."

6 And the words of the Lord are flawless,

like silver purified in a crucible,

like gold* refined seven times.

7 You, Lord, will keep the needy safe

and will protect us forever from the wicked,

8 who freely strut about

when what is vile is honored by the human race.