Psalms 82

1 A psalm of Asaph. God stands in the midst of his great assembly to judge among the gods.

A Psalm. Of Asaph. God is in the meeting-place of God; he is judging among the gods.

2 How long will you make unfair judgments and show favoritism to the wicked? (Selah)

How long will you go on judging falsely, having respect for the persons of evil-doers? (Selah)

3 Defend the poor and orphans; support the rights of those who are oppressed and suffering.

Give ear to the cause of the poor and the children without fathers; let those who are troubled and in need have their rights.

4 Rescue the poor and those unable to help themselves; save them from the clutches of evil people.

Be the saviour of the poor and those who have nothing: take them out of the hand of the evil-doers.

5 They don't have any wisdom; they live in the dark; the foundations of the earth are shaken.

They have no knowledge or sense; they go about in the dark: all the bases of the earth are moved.

6 I say, “You are gods; all of you are children of the Most High.

I said, You are gods; all of you are the sons of the Most High:

7 But you will die like any human being, you will fall like any other leader.”

But you will come to death like men, falling like one of the rulers of the earth.

8 Stand up, Lord, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you.

Up! O God, come as judge of the earth; for all the nations are your heritage.