Psalm 36

Contemporary English Version

(For the music leader by David, the Lord's servant.)

Human Sin and God's Goodness

¹^(A) Sinners don't respect God;
    sin is all they think about.
²They like themselves too much
to hate their own sins
    or even to see them.
³They tell deceitful lies,
and they don't have the sense
    to live right.
⁴Those people stay awake,
    thinking up mischief,
and they follow the wrong road,
    refusing to turn from sin.

⁵Your love is faithful, Lord,
and even the clouds in the sky
    can depend on you.
⁶Your decisions are always fair.
They are firm like mountains,
    deep like the sea,
and all people and animals
    are under your care.

⁷Your love is a treasure,
and everyone finds shelter
    in the shadow of your wings.
⁸You give your guests a feast
    in your house,
and you serve a tasty drink
    that flows like a river.
⁹The life-giving fountain
    belongs to you,
and your light gives light
    to each of us.

¹⁰Our Lord, keep showing love
    to everyone who knows you,
and use your power to save all
    whose thoughts please you.
¹¹Don't let those proud
    and merciless people
kick me around
    or chase me away.