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.
Unto the end. To the servant of the Lord, David himself. The unjust one has said within himself that he would commit offenses. 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 has acted deceitfully in his sight, such that his iniquity will be found to be hatred.
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 is unwilling to understand, so that he may act well.
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 has been considering iniquity on his bed. He has set himself on every way that is not good; moreover, he has not hated evil.
5 Lord, your faithful love reaches to the heavens, your trustworthiness to the clouds.
Lord, your mercy is in heaven, and your truth is even to 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 justice is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are a great abyss. Men and beasts, you will save, O Lord.
7 God, how priceless is your trustworthy love! Everyone can find protection under the shelter of your wings.
How you have multiplied your mercy, O God! And so the sons of men will hope under the cover 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 will be inebriated with the fruitfulness of your house, and you will give them to drink from the torrent of your enjoyment.
9 You are the source of life; you are the light by which we see.
For with you is the fountain of life; and within your light, we will see the light.
10 Extend your trustworthy love to those who know you, and your goodness to those who truly live right.
Extend your mercy before those who know you, and your justice to these, who are upright in heart.
11 Don't let the arrogant trample me down; don't let the wicked drive me out.
May arrogant feet not approach me, and may the hand of the sinner not disturb me.
12 Now look! See how those who do evil have fallen—thrown down, unable to get up.
In that place, those who work iniquity have fallen. They have been expelled; they were not able to stand.
