Psalm 58

1

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?

2

No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

3

The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth.

4

Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears,

5

refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.

6

O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.

7

May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted.

8

Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun.

9

Before your pots can feel the burning thorns—whether green or dry—He will sweep them away.

10

The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

11

Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!”