Wickedness of Men and Lovingkindness of God.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD.

1Transgression speaks [like an oracle] to the wicked (godless) [deep] within his heart;

There is no fear (dread) of God before his eyes.

2For he flatters and deceives himself in his own eyes

Thinking that his sinfulness will not be discovered and hated [by God].

3The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;

He has ceased to be wise and to do good.

4He plans wrongdoing on his bed;

He sets himself on a path that is not good;

He does not reject or despise evil.

5Your lovingkindness and graciousness, O LORD, extend to the skies,

Your faithfulness [reaches] to the clouds.

6Your righteousness is like the mountains of God,

Your judgments are like the great deep.

O LORD, You preserve man and beast.

7How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!

The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.

8They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;

And You allow them to drink from the river of Your delights.

9For with You is the fountain of life [the fountain of life-giving water];

In Your light we see light.

10O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,

And Your righteousness (salvation) to the upright in heart.

11Do not let the foot of the proud [person] overtake me,

And do not let the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12There those who [are perverse and] do evil have fallen;

They have been thrust down and cannot rise.