Psalms 36

1 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.

For the Leader. A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD. Transgression speaketh to the wicked, methinks — there is no fear of God before his eyes.

2 In their own eyes they're so wonderful that they can't even see their sin and do something about it.

For it flattereth him in his eyes, until his iniquity be found, and he be hated.

3 Whatever they say is deceptive and deceitful. They no longer do anything wisely or for good.

The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit; he hath left off to be wise, to do good.

4 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.

He deviseth iniquity upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

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

Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, is in the heavens; Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the skies.

6 Your goodness is like the highest mountains, your fairness is like the deepest oceans. Lord, you save both the people and the animals.

Thy righteousness is like the mighty mountains; Thy judgments are like the great deep; man and beast Thou preservest, O LORD.

7 God, how priceless is your trustworthy love! Everyone can find protection under the shelter of your wings.

How precious is Thy lovingkindness, O God! and the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.

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

They are abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou makest them drink of the river of Thy pleasures.

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

For with Thee is the fountain of life; in Thy light do we see light.

10 Extend your trustworthy love to those who know you, and your goodness to those who truly live right.

O continue Thy lovingkindness unto them that know Thee; and Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.

11 Don't let the arrogant trample me down; don't let the wicked drive me out.

Let not the foot of pride overtake me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12 Now look! See how those who do evil have fallen—thrown down, unable to get up.

There are the workers of iniquity fallen; they are thrust down, and are not able to rise.