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