Psalm 36

Human Wickedness and God’s Love

For the choir director. Of David, the Lord’s servant.

An oracle within my heart

concerning the transgression of the wicked person:

Dread of God has no effect on him.a a

2For with his flattering opinion of himself,

he does not discover and hate his iniquity.a

3The words from his mouth are malicious and deceptive;a

he has stopped acting wisely and doing good.b

4Even on his bed he makes malicious plans.a

He sets himself on a path that is not good,

and he does not reject evil.b

5Lord, your faithful love reaches to heaven,

your faithfulness to the clouds.a

6Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,

your judgments like the deepest sea.a

Lord, you preserve people and animals.b

7How priceless your faithful love is, God!

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.a

8They are filled from the abundance of your house.

You let them drink from your refreshing stream.a

9For the wellspring of life is with you.a

By means of your light we see light.b

10Spread your faithful love over those who know you,

and your righteousness over the upright in heart.a

11Do not let the foot of the arrogant come near me

or the hand of the wicked drive me away.a

12There! The evildoers have fallen.

They have been thrown down and cannot rise.a