Psalm 36

A contemporary ancient Psalm

Does any of this, written 3000 years ago, sound vaguely familiar?

Unlike most of what I read about what is wrong with the world today and the people who run it, and the people they run, this passage points to the way out, a way that doesn’t depend upon us all somehow turning good. Do you see what that way is? Who is the strong one here?

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.

2 For with his flattering opinion of himself,
he does not discover and hate his iniquity.

3 The words from his mouth are malicious and deceptive;
he has stopped acting wisely and doing good.

4 Even on his bed he makes malicious plans.
He sets himself on a path that is not good,
and he does not reject evil.

5    LORD, your faithful love reaches to heaven,
your faithfulness to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your judgments like the deepest sea.
LORD, you preserve people and animals.

7 How priceless your faithful love is, God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They are filled from the abundance of your house.
You let them drink from your refreshing stream.

9 For the wellspring of life is with you.
By means of your light we see light.

10    Spread your faithful love over those who know you,
and your righteousness over the upright in heart.

11 Do not let the foot of the arrogant come near me
or the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12 There! The evildoers have fallen.
They have been thrown down and cannot rise.