Psalm 82

A Plea for Justice

A Psalm of Asaph.

1 God has taken his place in the divine council;
    in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
2 “How long will you judge unjustly
    and show partiality to the wicked? Selah
3 Give justice to the weak and the orphan;
    maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and the needy;
    deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
    they walk around in darkness;
    all the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 I say, “You are gods,
    children of the Most High, all of you;
7 nevertheless, you shall die like mortals,
    and fall like any prince.”

8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth;
    for all the nations belong to you!