Psalmorum 12

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

For the chief music-maker on the Sheminith. A Psalm. Of David. Send help, Lord, for mercy has come to an end; there is no more faith among the children of men.

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

Everyone says false words to his neighbour: their tongues are smooth in their talk, and their hearts are full of deceit.

3 Disperdat Dominus universa labia dolosa, et linguam magniloquam.

The smooth lips and the tongue of pride will be cut off by the Lord.

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

They have said, With our tongues will we overcome; our lips are ours: who is lord over us?

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

Because of the crushing of the poor and the weeping of those in need, now will I come to his help, says the Lord; I will give him the salvation which he is desiring.

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

The words of the Lord are true words: like silver tested by fire and burned clean seven times.

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

You will keep them, O Lord, you will keep them safe from this generation for ever.

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

The sinners are walking on every side, and evil is honoured among the children of men.