< Psalmorum 58 >
1 Psalmus, in finem, ne corrumpas, David in tituli inscriptionem. Si vere utique iustitiam loquimini: recte iudicate filii hominum.
For the music director. According to “Do Not Destroy.” A psalm (miktam) of David. You leaders, do you really say what is right? Do you judge people fairly?
2 Etenim in corde iniquitates operamini: in terra iniustitias manus vestrae concinnant.
No, for in your minds you plan evil. You cause violence everywhere!
3 Alienati sunt peccatores a vulva, erraverunt ab utero: locuti sunt falsa.
The wicked are sinners from birth; from the moment they're born they tell lies.
4 Furor illis secundum similitudinem serpentis: sicut aspidis surdae, et obturantis aures suas,
They have venom like that of a poisonous snake, and just like a cobra they stop listening,
5 Quae non exaudiet vocem incantantium: et venefici incantantis sapienter.
refusing to hear the voice of the snake charmers or the spellbinders.
6 Deus conteret dentes eorum in ore ipsorum: molas leonum confringet Dominus.
God, break their teeth, and smash the jaws of these lions, Lord.
7 Ad nihilum devenient tamquam aqua decurrens: intendit arcum suum donec infirmentur.
May they vanish like water that flows away; when they shoot their arrows may they miss their mark.
8 Sicut cera, quae fluit, auferentur: supercecidit ignis, et non viderunt solem.
May they be like the slime of snails that dissolves away, like a stillborn child that never saw the light of day.
9 Priusquam intelligerent spinae vestrae rhamnum: sicut viventes, sic in ira absorbet eos.
Before the cooking pot is hot from burning thorns, whether fresh or dry, God will blow them away.
10 Laetabitur iustus cum viderit vindictam: manus suas lavabit in sanguine peccatoris.
Those who live right will be happy when they see there is punishment; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.
11 Et dicet homo: Si utique est fructus iusto: utique est Deus iudicans eos in terra.
They will say, “There is definitely a reward for those who live right; there is certainly a God who judges fairly on earth.”