Psalms 36

1 The transgression of the wicked saith 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 flattereth 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 hath 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 deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth 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 Thy mercy, O Yhwh, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

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

6 Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Yhwh, thou preservest 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 thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy 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 thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

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

9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

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

10 O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy 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.