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.