1 For the choirmaster. According to Sheminith. A Psalm of David. Help, O LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.

2 They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.

3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue.

4 They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”

5 “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.”

6 The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.

7 You, O LORD, will keep us; You will forever guard us from this generation.

8 The wicked wander freely, and vileness is exalted among men.