King James Version
Psalm 52
In this sharp wisdom psalm, David confronts a deceitful tyrant who boasts of evil deeds and relies on wealth rather than righteousness. Within the Psalter, the text serves as a didactic warning about the temporary nature of malice compared to God's enduring mercy. The speaker contrasts the ultimate collapse of arrogant oppressors with the steady growth of those who remain rooted in divine love. While the wicked face sudden judgment, the faithful find lasting security like a flourishing plant. A central verse expresses this contrast: "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever."
1 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.
GO DEEPER
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