1 To him that excelleth. A Psalme of Dauid, the servant of the Lord. Wickedness sayeth to the wicked man, euen in mine heart, that there is no feare of God before his eyes. 2 For hee flattereth himselfe in his owne eyes, while his iniquitie is foud worthy to be hated. 3 The wordes of his mouth are iniquitie and deceit: hee hath left off to vnderstand and to doe good. 4 Hee imagineth mischiefe vpon his bed: he setteth himselfe vpon a way, that is not good, and doeth not abhorre euill. 5 Thy mercy, O Lord, reacheth vnto the heauens, and thy faithfulnesse vnto the cloudes. 6 Thy righteousnesse is like the mightie moutaines: thy iudgements are like a great deepe: thou, Lord, doest saue man and beast. 7 How excellent is thy mercy, O God! therefore the children of men trust vnder the shadowe of thy wings. 8 They shall be satisfied with the fatnesse of thine house, and thou shalt giue them drinke out of the riuer of thy pleasures. 9 For with thee is the well of life, and in thy light shall we see light. 10 Extend thy louing kindnes vnto them that knowe thee, and thy righteousnesse vnto them that are vpright in heart. 11 Let not ye foote of pride come against me, and let not the hand of ye wicked men moue me. 12 There they are fallen that worke iniquity: they are cast downe, and shall not be able to rise.
Human Wickedness
1 Sin speaks to the wicked deep in their hearts;
they reject God and do not have reverence for him.
2 Because they think so highly of themselves,
they think that God will not discover their sin and condemn it.
3 Their speech is wicked and full of lies;
they no longer do what is wise and good.
4 They make evil plans as they lie in bed;
nothing they do is good,
and they never reject anything evil.
The Goodness of God
5 Lord, your constant love reaches the heavens;
your faithfulness extends to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is towering like the mountains;
your justice is like the depths of the sea.
People and animals are in your care.
7 How precious, O God, is your constant love!
We find protection under the shadow of your wings.
8 We feast on the abundant food you provide;
you let us drink from the river of your goodness.
9 You are the source of all life,
and because of your light we see the light.
10 Continue to love those who know you
and to do good to those who are righteous.
11 Do not let proud people attack me
or the wicked make me run away.
12 See where evil people have fallen.
There they lie, unable to rise.