Psalms 82

1 A psalm of Asaph. God stands in the midst of his great assembly to judge among the gods.

“A psalm of Assaph.” God standeth in the congregation of God, in the midst of judges doth he judge.

2 How long will you make unfair judgments and show favoritism to the wicked? (Selah)

How long will ye judge unjustly, and treat with favor the face of the wicked? (Selah)

3 Defend the poor and orphans; support the rights of those who are oppressed and suffering.

Judge uprightly the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and indigent.

4 Rescue the poor and those unable to help themselves; save them from the clutches of evil people.

Release the poor and needy: deliver them out of the power of the wicked.

5 They don't have any wisdom; they live in the dark; the foundations of the earth are shaken.

They know not, nor will they understand; in darkness do they walk on: all the foundations of the earth are moved.

6 I say, “You are gods; all of you are children of the Most High.

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

7 But you will die like any human being, you will fall like any other leader.”

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

8 Stand up, Lord, and judge the earth, for all the nations belong to you.

Arise, O God, judge the earth; for thou wilt possess all the nations.