1 For the music director, according to the sheminith style; a psalm of David. Deliver, Lord! For the godly have disappeared; people of integrity have vanished. 2 People lie to one another; they flatter and deceive. 3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts! 4 They say, “We speak persuasively; we know how to flatter and boast. Who is our master?” 5 “Because of the violence done to the oppressed, because of the painful cries of the needy, I will spring into action,”⁠a says the Lord. “I will provide the safety they so desperately desire.” 6 The Lord’s words are absolutely reliable. They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground, where it is thoroughly refined. 7 You, Lord, will protect them; you will continually shelter each one from these evil people, 8 for the wicked seem to be everywhere, when people promote evil.