The Pure Words of the Lord

1 [(0)] For the leader. On sh’minit [low-pitched musical instruments?]. A psalm of David:

2 [(1)] Help, ADONAI! For no one godly is left; the faithful have vanished from humankind.

3 [(2)] They all tell lies to each other, flattering with their lips, but speaking from divided hearts.

4 [(3)] May ADONAI cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks so proudly,

5 [(4)] those who say, “By our tongues, we will prevail; our lips are with us. Who can master us?”

6 [(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.”

7 [(6)] The words of ADONAI are pure words, silver in a melting-pot set in the earth, refined and purified seven times over.

8 [(7)] You, ADONAI, protect us; guard us forever from this generation —

9 [(8)] the wicked strut about everywhere when vileness is held in general esteem.