Psalms 82

1 God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges 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 all of you judge unjustly, and accept the persons of 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 fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

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 Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

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

5 They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

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

6 I have said, All of you are gods; and 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 all of you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

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

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for you shall inherit all nations.

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