To the choirmaster. A Maskil of David, when Doeg, the Edomite, came and told Saul, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.”

1Why do you boast, O mighty man,

of mischief done against the godly?52.1 Cn Compare Syr: Heb the kindness of God

All the day 2you are plotting destruction.

Your tongue is like a sharp razor,

you worker of treachery.

3You love evil more than good,

and lying more than speaking the truth. Selah

4You love all words that devour,

O deceitful tongue.

5But God will break you down for ever;

he will snatch and tear you from your tent;

he will uproot you from the land of the living. Selah

6The righteous shall see, and fear,

and shall laugh at him, saying,

7“See the man who would not make

God his refuge,

but trusted in the abundance of his riches,

and sought refuge in his wealth!”52.7 Syr Tg: Heb his destruction

8But I am like a green olive tree

in the house of God.

I trust in the steadfast love of God

for ever and ever.

9I will thank thee for ever,

because thou hast done it.

I will proclaim52.9 Cn: Heb wait for thy name, for it is good,

in the presence of the godly.