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