[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.

People lie to one another; they flatter and deceive.

May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts!

They say, "We speak persuasively; we know how to flatter and boast. Who is our master?"

"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."

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.

You, LORD, will protect them; you will continually shelter each one from these evil people,

for the wicked seem to be everywhere, when people promote evil.