< Psalms 36 >
1 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.
The transgression of the wicked man says within my heart, There is no fear of God before his eyes.
2 In their own eyes they're so wonderful that they can't even see their sin and do something about it.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes, that his iniquity will not be found out and be hated.
3 Whatever they say is deceptive and deceitful. They no longer do anything wisely or for good.
The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit. He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 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.
He devises iniquity upon his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He does not abhor evil.
5 Lord, your faithful love reaches to the heavens, your trustworthiness to the clouds.
Thy loving kindness, O Jehovah, is in the heavens, thy faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your goodness is like the highest mountains, your fairness is like the deepest oceans. Lord, you save both the people and the animals.
Thy righteousness is like the mountains of God. Thy judgments are a great deep. O Jehovah, thou preserve man and beast.
7 God, how priceless is your trustworthy love! Everyone can find protection under the shelter of your wings.
How precious is thy loving kindness, O God, and the sons of men take refuge under the shadow of thy wings.
8 They gain strength from the wonderful food you provide in your house; you give them drink from your refreshing river.
They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house, and thou will make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.
9 You are the source of life; you are the light by which we see.
For with thee is the fountain of life. In thy light we shall see light.
10 Extend your trustworthy love to those who know you, and your goodness to those who truly live right.
O continue thy loving kindness to those who know thee, and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 Don't let the arrogant trample me down; don't let the wicked drive me out.
Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of sinners drive me away.
12 Now look! See how those who do evil have fallen—thrown down, unable to get up.
There are the workers of iniquity fallen. They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.