A little time with Scripture.
SCRIPTURE READER

Psalms 52

World English Bible · Public domain

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Psalms 52

1For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, “David has come to Ahimelech’s house.” Why do you boast of mischief, mighty man? God’s loving kindness endures continually.

2Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

3You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking the truth. Selah.

4You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue.

5God will likewise destroy you forever. He will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. Selah.

6The righteous also will see it, and fear, and laugh at him, saying,

7“Behold, this is the man who didn’t make God his strength, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.”

8But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in God’s house. I trust in God’s loving kindness forever and ever.

9I will give you thanks forever, because you have done it. I will hope in your name, for it is good, in the presence of your saints.

World English Bible (WEB). Public-domain translation. Publisher: eBible.org. Local WEB chapter text; additional external requests use bible-api.com.

A few questions for reading in context
  • Who is speaking, and to whom?
  • What is happening before and after this passage?
  • What kind of writing is this—poetry, narrative, letter, or another form?
  • What does the passage say before I consider how to apply it?