Psalm 58

Psalm 58 ¹ For the director of music. A miktam of David to the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Are you rulers really fair when you speak? Do you judge people honestly?

² No, in your hearts you plan to be unfair. With your hands you do terrible things on the earth.

³ Even from birth those who are evil go down the wrong path. From the day they are born they go the wrong way and spread lies.

⁴ Their words are like the poison of a snake. They are like the poison of a cobra that has covered up its ears.

⁵ It won’t listen to a snake charmer’s tune, even if the charmer plays very well.

⁶ God, break the teeth in the mouths of those sinners! LORD, tear out the sharp teeth of those lions!

⁷ Let those people disappear like water that flows away. When they draw their bows, let their arrows fall short of the target.

⁸ Let them be like a slug that melts away as it moves along. Let them be like a baby that is born dead and never sees the sun.

⁹ Evil people will be swept away before burning thorns can heat a pot. And it doesn’t matter if the thorns are green or dry.

¹⁰ Godly people will be glad when those who have hurt them are paid back. They will dip their feet in the blood of those who do evil. ¹¹ Then people will say, “The godly will get their reward. There really is a God who judges the earth.”