Psalms 12; Psalms 13

Psalms 12

1 Help, LORD, for no one is faithful anymore; those who are loyal have vanished from the human race.

2 Everyone lies to their neighbor; they flatter with their lips but harbor deception in their hearts.

3 May the LORD silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue—

4 those 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.”

6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.

7 You, LORD, will keep the needy safe and will protect us forever from the wicked,

8 who freely strut about when what is vile is honored by the human race.

Psalms 13

1 How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,

4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6 I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.