Psalm 52

W. van der Kamp, 1972

1. Why do you boast, O man so mighty,
   Of all your wickedness?
   For all day long you plan to blight me
   While feigning righteousness.
   Your treacherous tongue is razor-sharp;
   The truth you twist and warp.
   
2. For you love evil more than merit
   And lies more than the truth.
   Sweet sounds your voice to all who hear it,
   But though your tongue is smooth,
   You love those words that will destroy,
   And falsehood is your joy.
   
3. But God will break you down forever
   And tear you from your tent.
   He will uproot all your endeavor;
   Your cloak of lies He’ll rend.
   Alive He’ll snatch you from the land
   For all the ill you planned.
   
4. The just shall see it and respect it,
   And they shall laugh and say,
   “So this is he who has rejected
   God as his strength and stay.
   In vain he sought in wealth a hold
   And trusted in his gold!”
   
5. But like an olive tree I’m growing,
   Safe in God’s house and care.
   His steadfast love He is bestowing
   On all who sojourn there.
   I trust in Him for evermore;
   His greatness I adore.
   
6. Forever I will thank and praise Thee;
   It is Thy doing, LORD.
   Upon a rock Thy hand has raised me;
   Thy glory I record.
   Among the godly I’ll proclaim:
   Good is Thy wondrous Name!