< 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.
For the Chief Musician. By David, the servant of the LORD. A revelation is within my heart about the disobedience of the wicked: 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, too much to detect and hate his sin.
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 plots iniquity on 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.
Your loving kindness, LORD, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches 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.
Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. LORD, you preserve man and animal.
7 God, how priceless is your trustworthy love! Everyone can find protection under the shelter of your wings.
How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your 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 abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures.
9 You are the source of life; you are the light by which we see.
For with you is the spring of life. In your light we will see light.
10 Extend your trustworthy love to those who know you, and your goodness to those who truly live right.
Oh continue your loving kindness to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 Don't let the arrogant trample me down; don't let the wicked drive me out.
Do not let the foot of pride come against me. Do not let the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 Now look! See how those who do evil have fallen—thrown down, unable to get up.
There the workers of iniquity are fallen. They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.