Psalms 52

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[1]David reproving the spiteful malice of Doeg, prophesieth his destruction. [6]The righteous shall rejoice at it. [8]David in confidence of God's mercy giveth him thanks.

To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech.

1. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.

2. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

3. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.

4. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.

5. God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.

6. The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him:

7. Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.

8. But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

9. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.

Metrical version

Psalm 52

C.M.

Why dost thou boast, O mighty man,
of mischief and of ill?
The goodness of Almighty God
endureth ever still.

Thy tongue mischievous calumnies
deviseth subtilely,
Like to a razor sharp to cut,
working deceitfully.

Ill more than good, and more than truth
thou lovest to speak wrong:
Thou lovest all-devouring words,
O thou deceitful tongue.

So God shall thee destroy for aye,
remove thee, pluck thee out
Quite from thy house, out of the land
of life he shall thee root.

The righteous shall it see, and fear,
and laugh at him they shall:
Lo, this the man is that did not
make God his strength at all:

But he in his abundant wealth
his confidence did place;
And he took strength unto himself
from his own wickedness.

But I am in the house of God
like to an olive green:
My confidence for ever hath
upon God's mercy been.

And I for ever will thee praise,
because thou hast done this:
I on thy name will wait; for good
before thy saints it is.