1. [For the music director; according to the sheminith style; a psalm of David.] Deliver, LORD! For the godly have disappeared; people of integrity have vanished.
2. People lie to one another; they flatter and deceive.
3. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts!
4. They say, "We speak persuasively; we know how to flatter and boast. Who is our master?"
5. "Because of the violence done to the oppressed, because of the painful cries of the needy, I will spring into action," says the LORD. "I will provide the safety they so desperately desire."
6. The LORD's words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined.
7. You, LORD, will protect them; you will continually shelter each one from these evil people,
8. for the wicked seem to be everywhere, when people promote evil.