For the director of music. A miktam of David to the tune of ‘Do Not Destroy.’
1Are you rulers really fair when you speak? Do you judge people honestly?2No, in your hearts you plan to be unfair. With your hands you do terrible things on the earth.3Even 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.4Their words are like the poison of a snake. They are like the poison of a cobra that has covered up its ears.5It won’t listen to a snake charmer’s tune, even if the charmer plays very well.6God, break the teeth in the mouths of those sinners! LORD, tear out the sharp teeth of those lions!7Let those people disappear like water that flows away. When they draw their bows, let their arrows fall short of the target.8Let 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.9Evil people will be swept away before burning thorns can heat a pot. And it doesn’t matter if the thorns are green or dry.10Godly 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.11Then people will say, ‘The godly will get their reward. There really is a God who judges the earth.’