Psalms 12 ASV
Summary: A lament over a society corrupted by flattery and lies, Psalm 12 laments that "the godly one is gone" and that people speak with "flattering lips" and a "double heart" (v. 1-2). Against this backdrop of deceit, the psalmist praises the reliability of God's own speech: "the words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace... purified seven times" (v. 6). It closes with a sober note that the wicked still strut about even as God promises protection for the poor.
1For the Chief Musician; set to the Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, Jehovah; for the godly man ceaseth; For the faithful fail from among the children of men.
2They speak falsehood every one with his neighbor: With flattering lip, and with a double heart, do they speak.
3Jehovah will cut off all flattering lips, The tongue that speaketh great things;
4Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; Our lips are our own: who is lord over us?
5Because of the oppression of the poor, because of the sighing of the needy, Now will I arise, saith Jehovah; I will set him in the safety he panteth for.
6The words of Jehovah are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, Purified seven times.
7Thou wilt keep them, O Jehovah, Thou wilt preserve them from this generation for ever.
8The wicked walk on every side, When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.
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