otcanon
Psalms 52
David sets the wicked man — whose tongue is a sharp razor, whose strength is his own wealth — against the covenant man who stands as a green olive tree in the house of God. The contrast is rooted and final: the deceiver who trusts in riches is plucked from the land of the living; the one who trusts in Jehovah's covenant mercy endures. The olive tree image carries the covenant-grafting pattern of Romans 11 and Jacob 5 — the righteous remnant abiding in the house of God, unmoved, while the proud are uprooted. Praise and waiting on the Name close the psalm.
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.
