Psalms 52

1 To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said to him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, “David has come to Ahimelech’s house.” Why do you boast of mischief, mighty man? God’s loving kindness endures continually.

2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. (Selah)

You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking the truth. (Selah)

4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.

You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue.

5 God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. (Selah)

God will likewise destroy you forever. He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. (Selah)

6 The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:

The righteous also will see it, and fear, and laugh at him, saying,

7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

“Behold, this is the man who did not make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.”

8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in God’s house. I trust in God’s loving kindness forever and ever.

9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.

I will give you thanks forever, because you have done it. I will hope in your name, for it is good, in the presence of your saints.