Psalmorum 12

1 In finem pro octava, Psalmus David. Salvum me fac Domine, quoniam defecit sanctus: quoniam diminutæ sunt veritates a filiis hominum.

For the leader; on the sheminith. A psalm of David. Help, Lord, for the good are all gone, faithful people have vanished.

2 Vana locuti sunt unusquisque ad proximum suum: labia dolosa, in corde et corde locuti sunt.

One lies to another, speaking empty lies, with flattering lips and false hearts they speak.

3 Disperdat Dominus universa labia dolosa, et linguam magniloquam.

May the Lord cut off all the flattering lips, and the tongue that utters arrogance,

4 Qui dixerunt: Linguam nostram magnificabimus, labia nostra a nobis sunt, quis noster Dominus est?

they declare, ‘Our tongue is our strength, our allies our lips: who is lord over us?’

5 Propter miseriam inopum, et gemitum pauperum nunc exurgam, dicit Dominus. Ponam in salutari: fiducialiter agam in eo.

‘The poor are despoiled, and the needy are sighing; so now I will act,’ the Lord declares ‘And place them in the safety they long for.’

6 Eloquia Domini, eloquia casta: argentum igne examinatum, probatum terræ purgatum septuplum.

The words of the Lord are words that are pure, silver smelted, seven times refined.

7 Tu Domine servabis nos: et custodies nos a generatione hac in æternum.

You will keep us, Lord, and guard us from this generation forever,

8 In circuitu impii ambulant: secundum altitudinem tuam multiplicasti filios hominum.

in a world where the wicked prowl, and worthless people exalted.