> [[psalm-11|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-13|Next →]] --- # Psalm 12 ## Prayer Against Evil Tongues 1 For the leader; “upon the eighth.” A psalm of David. ^psalm-12-1 ### I 2 Help, LORD, for no one loyal remains; ^psalm-12-2 the faithful have vanished from the children of men. 3 They tell lies to one another, ^psalm-12-3 speak with deceiving lips and a double heart. ### II 4 May the LORD cut off all deceiving lips, ^psalm-12-4 and every boastful tongue, 5 Those who say, “By our tongues we prevail; ^psalm-12-5 when our lips speak, who can lord it over us?” ### III 6 “Because they rob the weak, and the needy groan, ^psalm-12-6 I will now arise,” says the LORD; “I will grant safety to whoever longs for it.” ### IV 7 The promises of the LORD are sure, ^psalm-12-7 silver refined in a crucible, silver purified seven times. 8 You, O LORD, protect us always; ^psalm-12-8 preserve us from this generation. 9 On every side the wicked roam; ^psalm-12-9 the shameless are extolled by the children of men. \* (Psalm 12) A lament. The psalmist, thrown into a world where lying and violent people persecute the just (([[psalm-12|Ps 12]]:2] – [3]), prays that the wicked be punished (([[psalm-12|Ps 12]]:4] – [5]). The prayer is not simply for vengeance but arises from a desire to see God’s justice appear on earth. ([[psalm-12|Ps 12]]:6] preserves the word of assurance spoken by the priest to the lamenter; it is not usually transmitted in such Psalms. In ([[psalm-12|Ps 12]]:7] – [8] the psalmist affirms the intention to live by the word of assurance. \* (12:7) A crucible: lit., “in a crucible in the ground.” The crucible was placed in the ground for support. a. (12:2) ([[psalm-14|Ps 14]]:3]; [116:11]; [Is 59:15]; [Mi 7:2]. b. (12:3) ([[psalm-28|Ps 28]]:3]; [55:22]; [Is 59:3] – [4]; [Jer 9:7]. c. (12:5) [Sir 5:3]. d. (12:6) [Is 33:10]. e. (12:7) ([[psalm-18|Ps 18]]:31]; [19:8]; [Prv 30:5]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-11|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-13|Next →]]