The Complete Jewish Bible CJB
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 For 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.
1
<For the chief music-maker on the Sheminith. A Psalm. Of David.> Send help, Lord, for mercy has come to an end; there is no more faith among the children of men.
2 They all tell lies to each other, flattering with their lips, but speaking from divided hearts.
2
Everyone says false words to his neighbour: their tongues are smooth in their talk, and their hearts are full of deceit.
3 May ADONAI cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks so proudly,
3
The smooth lips and the tongue of pride will be cut off by the Lord.
4 those who say, "By our tongues, we will prevail; our lips are with us. Who can master us?"
4
They have said, With our tongues will we overcome; our lips are ours: who is lord over 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."
5
Because of the crushing of the poor and the weeping of those in need, now will I come to his help, says the Lord; I will give him the salvation which he is desiring.
6 The words of ADONAI are pure words, silver in a melting-pot set in the earth, refined and purified seven times over.
6
The words of the Lord are true words: like silver tested by fire and burned clean seven times.
7 You, ADONAI, protect us; guard us forever from this generation
7
You will keep them, O Lord, you will keep them safe from this generation for ever.
8 the wicked strut about everywhere when vileness is held in general esteem.
8
The sinners are walking on every side, and evil is honoured among the children of men.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.