Psalms 52

1 For the Chief Musician. Maschil of David: when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the mercy of God [endureth] continually.

For the leader. A maskil of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul that David had gone to Abimelech’s house. Why glory in mischief, you hero? God’s kindness is all the day.

2 Thy tongue deviseth very wickedness; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Engulfing ruin you plot, your tongue like a razor sharpened, you practiser of deceit.

3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. (Selah)

Evil, not good, you love, and falsehood, not words of truth. (Selah)

4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.

But you love all words that devour, and a tongue that is given to deceit.

5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee up, and pluck thee out of thy tent, and root thee out of the land of the living. (Selah)

But God, on his part, shall destroy you forever, grasp you and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. (Selah)

6 The righteous also shall see [it], and fear, and shall laugh at him, [saying],

Smitten with awe at the sight, the righteous shall laugh at you.

7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

‘Look’ (they will say) ‘at the hero who did not make God his stronghold, but trusted in his great wealth and in the strength of his riches.’

8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

But I am like a fresh olive-tree in the house of God. I trust in the kindness of God for ever and evermore.

9 I will give thee thanks for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name, for it is good, in the presence of thy saints.

I will render you thanks for ever for what you have done. I will tell how good you are in the presence of those who love you.