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 leader. Of the servant of the Lord, of David. Sin whispers within the heart of the wicked, who have no dread of God before their eyes.

2 In their own eyes they're so wonderful that they can't even see their sin and do something about it.

It flatters them in their eyes that their sin will not be found out.

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

First, their speech becomes wicked and false, they give up acting wisely and 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.

Then they plot deliberate wrong, take their stand on the wicked way, without the least shrinking from evil.

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

Your love, O Lord, touches the heavens, your faithfulness reaches 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 great mountains, your judgments are like the broad sea. Lord, you save people and animals.

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

How precious your love, O God! All may seek shelter in 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 feast on the fat of your house, they drink of your brook of delights.

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

For with you is the fountain of life, in the light that is yours we see light.

10 Extend your trustworthy love to those who know you, and your goodness to those who truly live right.

O continue your grace to the faithful, your love to the upright in heart.

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

Let no arrogant foot tread upon me, no wicked hand drive me to exile.

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

There the workers of wrong lie prostrate, thrust down to rise up no more.