Psalm 12
Words: Brady and Tate, A New Version of the Psalms of David
1 Since godly men decay, O Lord,
do thou my cause defend;
For scarce these wretched times afford
one just and faithful friend.
2 One neighbor now can scarce believe
what t'other doth impart:
With flattering lips they all deceive,
and with a double heart.
3 But lips that with deceit abound
can never prosper long;
God's righteous vengeance will confound
the proud blaspheming tongue.
4 In vain those foolish boasters say,
"Our tongues are sure our own;
"With doubtful words we will betray,
and be controlled by none."
5 For God, who hears the suff'ring poor,
and their oppression knows,
Will soon arise and give them rest,
in spite of all their foes.
6 The word of God shall still abide,
and void of falsehood be,
As is the silver, sev'n times tried,
from drossy mixture free.
7 The promise of his aiding grace
shall reach the purposed end;
His servants from this faithless race
he ever shall defend.
8 Then shall the wicked be perplexed,
nor know which way to fly;
When those, whom they despised and vexed,
shall be advanced on high.
