Psalms 36

1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD. An oracle is in my heart regarding the transgression of the wicked man: There is no fear of God before his eyes.

For the music director. A psalm of David, servant of the Lord. Evil speaks to the wicked, deep down in their minds, for in their eyes they have no need to respect God.

2 For his eyes are too full of conceit to detect or hate his own sin.

In their own eyes they're so wonderful that they can't even see their sin and do something about it.

3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.

Whatever they say is deceptive and deceitful. They no longer do anything wisely or for good.

4 Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil.

Even when they're lying in bed they think up evil schemes. They commit themselves to a way of life that is no good. They choose evil, and don't reject it.

5 Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.

Lord, your faithful love reaches to the heavens, your trustworthiness to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments are like the deepest sea. O LORD, You preserve man and beast.

Your goodness is like the highest mountains, your fairness is like the deepest oceans. Lord, you save both the people and the animals.

7 How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!

God, how priceless is your trustworthy love! Everyone can find protection under the shelter of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights.

They gain strength from the wonderful food you provide in your house; you give them drink from your refreshing river.

9 For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

You are the source of life; you are the light by which we see.

10 Extend Your loving devotion to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart.

Extend your trustworthy love to those who know you, and your goodness to those who truly live right.

11 Let not the foot of the proud come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

Don't let the arrogant trample me down; don't let the wicked drive me out.

12 There the evildoers lie fallen, thrown down and unable to rise.

Now look! See how those who do evil have fallen—thrown down, unable to get up.