1 O Lord, be thou my helper true,
For just and godly men are few;
The faithful who can find?
From truth and wisdom men depart,
With flattering lips and double heart
They speak their evil mind.
2 The lips that speak, the truth to hide,
The tongues of arrogance and pride,
That boastful words employ,
False-speaking tongues that boast their might,
That own no law, that know no right,
Jehovah will destroy.
3 Because the poor are sore oppressed,
Because the needy are distressed,
And bitter are their cries,
The Lord will be their helper strong;
To save them from contempt and wrong
Jehovah will arise.
4 Jehovah's promises are sure,
His words are true, his words are pure
As silver from the flame.
Though base men walk on every side,
His saints are safe, whate'er betide,
Protected by his name.