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 chief musician. A psalm of David the servant of Yahweh. An evil man speaks of his transgression from deep in his heart, there is no fear of God in 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 he comforts himself, thinking that his sin will not be discovered and be hated.

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

His words are sinful and deceitful; he does not want to be wise and 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.

While he lies in bed, he plans ways to sin; he sets out on an evil way; he does not reject evil.

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

Your covenant faithfulness, Yahweh, reaches to the heavens; your loyalty reaches to the clouds.

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

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep. Yahweh, you preserve both mankind and the animals.

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

How precious is your covenant faithfulness, God! Humanity takes refuge under the shadow of your wings.

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

They feast upon the abundance of your house; you let them drink from the river of your delights.

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

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

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

Extend your covenant faithfulness fully to those who know you, your defense to the upright of heart.

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

Do not let the foot of the arrogant man come near to me. Do not let 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.

Over there the evildoers have fallen; they are knocked down and are not able to get up.