Psalms 58

1 For the leader. Al tashheth. Of David. A michtam. Do you speak what is right, you gods? With equity judge you your people?

2 In the land you practise iniquity – all of you; violence do you dispense with your hands.

3 The wicked go astray from the womb liars take the wrong path from their birth.

4 Venom have they like the venom of snakes, they are like the deaf adder that stops her ears,

5 and refuses to listen to the voice of the charmer, or binder of spells, no matter how cunning.

6 O God, break to pieces the teeth in their mouth, tear out the great teeth of the young lions, Lord.

7 May they melt away like running water! Like tender grass, cut down may they be!

8 Like the snail that dissolves on its crawling path, like the birth untimely which sees not the sunlight.

9 Faster than a thorn-fire heats your pots, he will come with his tempest and sweep them away.

10 The sight of such vengeance will gladden the righteous; their feet they will wash in the blood of the wicked.

11 People will say, ‘Yes, the just are rewarded: yes, on the earth is a God who is Judge.’