12:3 May the Lord cut off 1 all flattering lips,
and the tongue that boasts! 2
12:4 They say, 3 “We speak persuasively; 4
we know how to flatter and boast. 5
Who is our master?” 6
12:5 “Because of the violence done to the oppressed, 7
because of the painful cries 8 of the needy,
I will spring into action,” 9 says the Lord.
“I will provide the safety they so desperately desire.” 10
12:6 The Lord’s words are absolutely reliable. 11
They are as untainted as silver purified in a furnace on the ground,
where it is thoroughly refined. 12
12:7 You, Lord, will protect them; 13
you will continually shelter each one from these evil people, 14
12:8 for the wicked seem to be everywhere, 15
when people promote evil. 16