Psalm 52

King James Version

1 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. 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.

Psalm 52

New International Reader’s Version

1 You think you are such a big, strong man! Why do you boast about the evil things you’ve done? You are a dishonour to God all the time.2 You plan ways to destroy others. Your tongue is like a blade that has a sharp edge. You are always telling lies.3 You love evil instead of good. You would rather lie than tell the truth.4 You love to harm others with your words, you liar!5 So God will destroy you for ever. He will grab you and pluck you from your tent. He will remove you from this life.6 Those who do what is right will see it and learn a lesson from it. They will laugh at you and say,7 ‘Just look at this fellow! He didn’t depend on God for his safety. He put his trust in all his wealth. He grew strong by destroying others!’8 But I am like a healthy olive tree. My roots are deep in the house of God. I trust in your faithful love for ever and ever.9 I will praise you for ever for what you have done. I will praise you when I’m with your faithful people. I will put my hope in you because you are good.