Psalm 82,1 | New International Reader’s Version

A psalm of Asaph.

1 God takes his place at the head of a large gathering of leaders. He announces his decisions among them. 2 He says, ‘How long will you stand up for those who aren’t fair to others? How long will you show mercy to sinful people? 3 Stand up for the weak and for children whose fathers have died. Protect the rights of people who are poor or treated badly. 4 Save those who are weak and needy. Save them from the power of sinful people. 5 ‘You leaders don’t know anything. You don’t understand anything. You are in the dark about what is right. Law and order have been destroyed all over the world. 6 ‘I said, “You leaders are like gods. You are all children of the Most High God.” 7 But you will die, like mere human beings. You will die like every other leader.’ 8 God, rise up. Judge the earth. All the nations belong to you.

English Standard Version

Rescue the Weak and Needy

1 A Psalm of Asaph. God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: 2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? 3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” 5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; 7 nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.”* 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations!

Psalm 82,1 | New International Reader’s Version English Standard Version

A psalm of Asaph.

Rescue the Weak and Needy