Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/597



Help me,, for there is no godly one left; * the faithful have vanished from among us.

Everyone speaks falsely with his neighbor; * with a smooth tongue they speak from a double heart.

Oh, that the would cut off all smooth tongues, * and close the lips that utter proud boasts!

Those who say, “With our tongue will we prevail; * our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”

“Because the needy are oppressed, and the poor cry out in misery, * I will rise up,” says the , “and give them the help they long for.”

The words of the are pure words, * like silver refined from ore and purified seven times in the fire.

O, watch over us * and save us from this generation for ever.

The wicked prowl on every side, * and that which is worthless is highly prized by everyone.

How long, O ? will you forget me for ever? * how long will you hide your face from me?