1HELP, LORD, for the godly are no more;
the faithful have disappeared from among mankind.
2 Everyone utters lies to his neighbour;
with flattering lips and a deceitful heart they speak.
3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips
and tongues that speaks boastfully.
4 They say, “With our tongues we will prevail;
our lips are our own—who can be our master?”
5 “Because of the oppression of the poor,
and the groaning of the needy,
I will now arise,” declares the LORD.
“I will put in a place of safety those who yearn for it.”
6 The words of the LORD are pure words;
like silver refined in a furnace of clay,
purified seven times.
7 You, O LORD, will keep us safe;
You will protect us from this generation forever.
8 The wicked prowl about on every side,
when what is vile is exalted among mankind.