Psalms 36

1 To the chief music-maker. Of the servant of the Lord. Of David. The sin of the evil-doer says in his heart, There is no fear of the Lord before his eyes.

For the leader. Of the servant of the Lord, of David. Sin whispers within the heart of the wicked, who have no dread of God before their eyes.

2 For he takes comfort in the thought that his sin will not be uncovered and hated.

It flatters them in their eyes that their sin will not be found out.

3 In the words of his mouth are evil and deceit; he has given up being wise and doing good.

First, their speech becomes wicked and false, they give up acting wisely and well.

4 He gives thought to evil on his bed; he takes a way which is not good; he is not a hater of evil.

Then they plot deliberate wrong, take their stand on the wicked way, without the least shrinking from evil.

5 Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens, and your strong purpose is as high as the clouds.

Your love, O Lord, touches the heavens, your faithfulness reaches the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judging is like the great deep; O Lord, you give life to man and beast.

Your justice is like the great mountains, your judgments are like the broad sea. Lord, you save people and animals.

7 How good is your loving mercy, O God! the children of men take cover under the shade of your wings.

How precious your love, O God! All may seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.

8 The delights of your house will be showered on them; you will give them drink from the river of your pleasures.

They feast on the fat of your house, they drink of your brook of delights.

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

For with you is the fountain of life, in the light that is yours we see light.

10 O let there be no end to your loving mercy to those who have knowledge of you, or of your righteousness to the upright in heart.

O continue your grace to the faithful, your love to the upright in heart.

11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, or the hand of the evil-doers put me out of my place.

Let no arrogant foot tread upon me, no wicked hand drive me to exile.

12 There the workers of evil have come down: they have been made low, and will not be lifted up.

There the workers of wrong lie prostrate, thrust down to rise up no more.