Psalms 36

1 Unto the end, for the servant of God, David himself. The unjust hath said within himself, that he would sin: 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 in his sight he hath done deceitfully, that his iniquity may be found unto hatred.

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 iniquity and guile: he would not understand that he might do well.

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

4 He hath devised iniquity on his bed, he hath set himself on every way that is not good: but evil he hath not hated.

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 O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven, and thy truth reacheth, even to the clouds.

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

6 Thy justice is as the mountains of God, thy judgments are a great deep. Men and beasts thou wilt preserve, O Lord:

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

7 O how hast thou multiplied thy mercy, O God! But the children of men shall put their trust under the covert of thy wings.

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

8 They shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of thy pleasure.

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

9 For with thee is the fountain of life; and in thy light we shall see light.

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

10 Extend thy mercy to them that know thee, and thy justice to them that are right 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 pride come to me, and let not the hand of the sinner move me.

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

12 There the workers of iniquity are fallen, they are cast out, and could not stand.

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