Wickedness of Men and Lovingkindness of God.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the servant of the Lord.
1 Transgression speaks [like an oracle] to the wicked (godless) [deep] within his heart;
There is no fear (dread) of God before his eyes. [Rom 3:18]
2 For he flatters and deceives himself in his own eyes
Thinking that his sinfulness will not be discovered and hated [by God].
3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful;
He has ceased to be wise and to do good.
4 He plans wrongdoing on his bed;
He sets himself on a path that is not good;
He does not reject or despise evil.
5 Your lovingkindness and graciousness, O Lord, extend to the skies,
Your faithfulness [reaches] to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God,
Your judgments are like the great deep.
O Lord, You preserve man and beast.
7 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!
The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.
8 They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house;
And You allow them to drink from the river of Your delights.
9 For with You is the fountain of life [the fountain of life-giving water];
In Your light we see light. [John 4:10, 14]
10 O continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You,
And Your righteousness (salvation) to the upright in heart.
11 Do not let the foot of the proud [person] overtake me,
And do not let the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There those who [are perverse and] do evil have fallen;
They have been thrust down and cannot rise.