1 Psalm 12 Oppression by the Wicked For the choir director: according to 'Sheminith'. A psalm of David. Help, Lord , for no faithful one remains; the loyal have disappeared from the human race. Or the descendants of Adam, also in v. 8 2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and deceptive hearts.3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks boastfully.4 They say, “Through our tongues we have power; our lips are our own — who can be our master? ”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.”6 The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.7 You, Lord , will guard us; Some Hb mss, LXX, Jer; other Hb mss read them you will protect us Some Hb mss, LXX; other Hb mss read him from this generation forever.8 The wicked prowl Lit walk about all around, and what is worthless is exalted by the human race.