Psalms 36

1 The transgression of the wicked says within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

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.

2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.

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

3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he has left off to be wise, and to do good.

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

4 He devises mischief on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he abhors not evil.

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.

5 Your mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

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

6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains; your judgments are a great deep: O LORD, you preserve man and beast.

Your goodness is like the highest mountains, your fairness is like the deepest oceans. Lord, you save both the people and the animals.

7 How excellent is your loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings.

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

8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of your house; and you shall make them drink of the river of your pleasures.

They gain strength from the wonderful food you provide in your house; you give them drink from your refreshing river.

9 For with you is the fountain of life: in your light shall we see light.

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

10 O continue your loving kindness to them that know you; and your righteousness to the upright in heart.

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

11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

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

12 There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

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