Psalms 82

1 A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.

A psalm of Asaph. God has taken his stand in the divine assembly: in the midst of the gods he holds judgment.

2 How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? (Selah)

‘How long will you crookedly judge, and favour the wicked? (Selah)

3 Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

Do right by the weak and the orphan, acquit the innocent poor.

4 Deliver the poor and needy: deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Rescue the weak and the needy, save them from the hand of the wicked.

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 neither knowledge nor insight, in darkness they walk to and fro, while the earth’s foundations totter.

6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.

It was I who appointed you gods, children of the Most High all of you.

7 But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.

Yet like mortals you will surely die, you will fall like any prince.’

8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.

Arise, O God, judge the earth, for all nations are yours by inheritance.