Psalm 12
New International Version
Chapter overview
Psalm 12 contrasts boastful, flattering speech with promises refined like silver. In a culture of manipulation, the vulnerable cry for help and trustworthy words become a lasting source of protection.
SpeechTruthProtectionPoor
1Help, Lord, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.
2Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.
3May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—
4those who say, “By our tongues we will prevail; our own lips will defend us—who is lord over us?”
5“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect them from those who malign them.”
6And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.
7You, Lord, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked,
8who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.
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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Text unchanged, provided through API.Bible.