Psalms 82

1 A Psalm for Asaph. God stands in the assembly of gods; and in the midst [of them] will judge gods.

A Psalm. Of Asaph. God is in the meeting-place of God; he is judging among the gods.

2 How long will you judge unrighteously, and accept the persons of sinners? (Pause)

How long will you go on judging falsely, having respect for the persons of evil-doers? (Selah)

3 Judge the orphan and poor: do justice to the low and needy.

Give ear to the cause of the poor and the children without fathers; let those who are troubled and in need have their rights.

4 Rescue the needy, and deliver the poor out of the hand of the sinner.

Be the saviour of the poor and those who have nothing: take them out of the hand of the evil-doers.

5 They know not, nor understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth shall be shaken.

They have no knowledge or sense; they go about in the dark: all the bases of the earth are moved.

6 I have said, You are gods; and all [of you] children of the Most High.

I said, You are gods; all of you are the sons of the Most High:

7 But you die as men, and fall as one of the princes.

But you will come to death like men, falling like one of the rulers of the earth.

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for you shall inherit all nations.

Up! O God, come as judge of the earth; for all the nations are your heritage.