Psalm 36

Human Wickedness and God’s Love

For the choir director. Of David, the LORD’S servant.

1   An oracle within my heart

concerning the transgression of the wicked person:

Dread of God has no effect on him. L,b

2   For with his flattering opinion of himself,

he does not discover and hate his iniquity. c

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

he has stopped acting wisely and doing good. e

4   Even on his bed he makes malicious plans. f

He sets himself on a path that is not good,

and he does not reject evil. g

5   LORD, your faithful love reaches to heaven,

your faithfulness to the clouds. h

6   Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,

your judgments like the deepest sea. i

LORD, you preserve people and animals. j

7   How priceless your faithful love is, God!

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. k

8   They are filled from the abundance of your house.

You let them drink from your refreshing stream. l

9   For the wellspring of life is with you. m

By means of your light we see light. n

10   Spread your faithful love over those who know you,

and your righteousness over the upright in heart. o

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

or the hand of the wicked drive me away. p

12   There! The evildoers have fallen.

They have been thrown down and cannot rise. q