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.