PSALM 12 [11.10.11.10] Sing Psalms

Recommended Tunes: 304 Kildonan, 308 Psalm 12

1  Help, LORD, because the godly have quite vanished,
and faithful folk we can no longer see.
2  Each one tells falsehood even to his neighbour;
with flattering lips they speak deceitfully.

3  Now may the LORD cut off all lips which flatter,
and every tongue which speaks with boastful word.
4  Such people say, “We with our tongues will triumph;
we own our lips—who then can be our lord?”

5  “Because the weak have suffered great oppression,
and I have heard the needy’s groaning cries,
Now I will guard them from those who malign them.
To help them,” says the LORD, “I will arise.”

6  The words proceeding from the LORD are flawless,
as pure as silver which by fire is tried,
Like silver which, when molten in a furnace,
from it emerges sev’n times purified.

7  O LORD, you will preserve us safe for ever
and from this evil age keep us secure;
8  For here the wicked strut about quite freely,
and praise is giv’n to all that is impure.