Psalm 11. Salvum me fac

A godless generation

This Psalm is like a mighty cry of the higher man against the consequences of original sin.  In the soul and in the world there is nothing but sin, deceit and self-seeking.  The psalmist looks for refuge in the Word of God, the only truth and purity and nobility that he can ever find.

Man's ways are corruption

Salvum me fac, Dómine, quóniam defécit sanctus: * quóniam diminútæ sunt veritátes a fíliis hóminum.
2  Vana locúti sunt unusquísque ad próximum suum : * lábia dolósa, in corde et corde locúti sunt.

Save me, O Lord, for there is not one godly man left; * for the faithful are minished from among the children of men.
2  They talk of vanity every one with his neighbour; * with deceitful lips and with a double heart have they spoken.

 Man's overbearing pride

3  Dispérdat Dóminus univérsa lábia dolósa, * et linguam magníloquam.
4  Qui dixérunt : Linguam nostram magnificábimus, lábia nostra a nobis sunt, * quis noster Dóminus est?

3  The Lord shall root out all deceitful lips, * and the tongue that speaketh proud things;
4  Which have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own; * who is Lord over us?

5  Propter misériam ínopum, et gémitum páuperum, * nunc exsúrgam, dicit Dóminus.
6  Ponam in salutári : * fiduciáliter agam in eo.
7  Elóquia Dómini, elóquia casta : * argéntum igne examinátum, probátum terræ purgátum séptuplum.

5  For the misery of  the needy, and the deep sighing of the poor, * now will I arise, saith the Lord.
6  I will set him in safety : * and I will deal confidently in his regard.
7  The words of the Lord are pure words; * even as silver which is tried by the fire, purged from the earth and seven times purified.

8  Tu, Dómine, servábis nos : et custódies nos * a generatióne hac in ætérnum.
9  In circúitu ímpii ámbulant : * secúndum altitúdinem tuam multiplicásti fílios hóminum.

8  Thou shalt keep us, O Lord, and preserve us; * from this generation for ever.
9  The ungodly walk on every side: * according to thy highness thou hast multiplied the children of men.