[1] Do you rulers really say what is right? Do you judge people fairly? [2] No, in your heart you plan evil; you think up violent crimes in the land. [3] From birth, evil people turn away from God; they wander off and tell lies as soon as they are born. [4] They are like poisonous snakes, like deaf cobras that stop up their ears [5] so they cannot hear the music of the snake charmer no matter how well he plays. [6] God, break the teeth in their mouths! Tear out the fangs of those lions, LORD! [7] Let them disappear like water that flows away. Let them be cut short like a broken arrow. [8] Let them be like snails that melt as they move. Let them be like a child born dead who never saw the sun. [9] His anger will blow them away alive faster than burning thorns can heat a pot. [10] Good people will be glad when they see him get even. They will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. [11] Then people will say, "There really are rewards for doing what is right. There really is a God who judges the world."
