PSALMS 58

For the music director. According to "Do Not Destroy." A psalm (miktam) of David.

1 You leaders,*58:1. The word in the Hebrew is unclear. One interpretation "gods" is surely incorrect. do you really say what is right? Do you judge people fairly?

2 No, for in your minds you plan evil. You cause violence everywhere!

3 The wicked are sinners from birth; from the moment they’re born they tell lies.

4 They have venom like that of a poisonous snake, and just like a cobra they stop listening,

5 refusing to hear the voice of the snake charmers or the spellbinders.

6 God, break their teeth, and smash the jaws of these lions, Lord.

7 May they vanish like water that flows away; when they shoot their arrows may they miss their mark.*58:7. The meaning of the second part of this verse is unclear.

8 May they be like the slime of snails that dissolves away, like a stillborn child that never saw the light of day.

9 Before the cooking pot is hot from burning thorns, whether fresh or dry, God will blow them away.*58:9. The meaning of this verse is unclear.

10 Those who live right will be happy when they see there is punishment; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 They will say, "There is definitely a reward for those who live right; there is certainly a God who judges fairly on earth."