Psalm 12

To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.

1        Help, Lord, because the godly man

                   doth daily fade away;

          And from among the sons of men

                   the faithful do decay.

2        Unto his neighbour ev'ry one

                   doth utter vanity:

          They with a double heart do speak,

                   and lips of flattery.

3        God shall cut off all flatt'ring lips,

                   tongues that speak proudly thus,

4        We'll with our tongue prevail, our lips

                   are ours: who's lord o'er us?

5        For poor oppress'd, and for the sighs

                   of needy, rise will I,

          Saith God, and him in safety set

                   from such as him defy.

6        The words of God are words most pure;

                   they be like silver try'd

          In earthen furnace, seven times

                   that hath been purify'd.

7        Lord, thou shalt them preserve and keep

                   for ever from this race.

8        On each side walk the wicked, when

                   vile men are high in place.