Psalms

The first book of Psalms, song 12, New English Translation and King James Version

Psalm 12

New English Translation

   For the music director; according to the sheminith style; a psalm of David.
   1 Deliver, LORD! For the godly have disappeared; people of integrity have vanished.
   2 People lie to one another; they flatter and deceive.
   3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts!
   4 They say, "We speak persuasively; we know how to flatter and boast. Who is our master?"
   5 "Because of the violence done to the oppressed, because of the painful cries of the needy, I will spring into action, " says the LORD. "I will provide the safety they so desperately desire."
   6 The LORD's words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined.
   7 You, LORD, will protect them; you will continually shelter each one from these evil people,
   8 for the wicked seem to be everywhere, when people promote evil.

King James Version

   To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.
   1 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
   2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.
   3 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:
   4 Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
   5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
   6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
   7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
   8 The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.