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.
To the chief music-maker. Of the servant of the Lord. Of David. The sin of the evil-doer says in his heart, There is no fear of the Lord 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 takes comfort in the thought that his sin will not be uncovered and hated.
3 Whatever they say is deceptive and deceitful. They no longer do anything wisely or for good.
In the words of his mouth are evil and deceit; he has given up being wise and doing 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 gives thought to evil on his bed; he takes a way which is not good; he is not a hater of evil.
5 Lord, your faithful love reaches to the heavens, your trustworthiness to the clouds.
Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens, and your strong purpose is as high as the clouds.
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 judging is like the great deep; O Lord, you give life to man and beast.
7 God, how priceless is your trustworthy love! Everyone can find protection under the shelter of your wings.
How good is your loving mercy, O God! the children of men take cover under the shade of your wings.
8 They gain strength from the wonderful food you provide in your house; you give them drink from your refreshing river.
The delights of your house will be showered on them; you will give them drink from 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 fountain 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.
O let there be no end to your loving mercy to those who have knowledge of you, or of your 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, or the hand of the evil-doers put me out of my place.
12 Now look! See how those who do evil have fallen—thrown down, unable to get up.
There the workers of evil have come down: they have been made low, and will not be lifted up.
