1

Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.

2

Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.

3

May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—

4

those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”

5

“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.”

6

And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.

7

You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked,

8

who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.