Psalms 12

Psalm 12#sn Psalm 12. The psalmist asks the Lord to intervene, for society is overrun by deceitful, arrogant oppressors and godly individuals are a dying breed. When the Lord announces his intention to defend the oppressed, the psalmist affirms his confidence in the divine promise.

For the music director; according to the sheminith style;#tn The meaning of the Hebrew term שְׁמִינִית (shÿminit) is uncertain; perhaps it refers to a particular style of music. See 1 Chr 15:21. a psalm of David.

1Deliver, Lord! For the godly have disappeared; people of integrity have vanished.

2People lie to one another; they flatter and deceive.

3May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts!

4They 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.”

6The Lord’s words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined.

7You, Lord, will protect them; you will continually shelter each one from these evil people,

8for the wicked seem to be everywhere, when people promote evil.