1For the leader. On sh'minit [low-pitched musical instruments?]. A psalm of David: Help, ADONAI! For no one godly is left; the faithful have vanished from humankind.
2They all tell lies to each other, flattering with their lips, but speaking from divided hearts.
3May ADONAI cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks so proudly,
4those who say, "By our tongues, we will prevail; our lips are with us. Who can master us?"
5"Because the poor are oppressed, because the needy are groaning, I will now rise up," says ADONAI, "and grant security to those whom they scorn."
6The words of ADONAI are pure words, silver in a melting-pot set in the earth, refined and purified seven times over.
7You, ADONAI, protect us; guard us forever from this generation
8the wicked strut about everywhere when vileness is held in general esteem.