Psa 50:16-20 | NETfull | STEP | God says this to the evildoer: “How can you declare my commands, and talk about my covenant?

Psalms 50:16-20

16 God says this to the evildoer: ^{▼▼ Heb “evil [one].” The singular adjective is used here in a representative sense; it refers to those within the larger covenant community who have blatantly violated the Lord’s commandments. In the psalms the “wicked” (רְשָׁעִים, r^esha’im) are typically proud, practical atheists (Ps 10:2, 4, 11) who hate God’s commands, commit sinful deeds, speak lies and slander, and cheat others (Ps 37:21).}
“How can you declare my commands,
and talk about my covenant? ^{▼▼ Heb “What to you to declare my commands and lift up my covenant upon your mouth?” The rhetorical question expresses sarcastic amazement. The Lord is shocked that such evildoers would give lip-service to his covenantal demands, for their lifestyle is completely opposed to his standards (see vv. 18–20).}
17 For you hate instruction
and reject my words. ^{▼▼ Heb “and throw my words behind you.”}
18 When you see a thief, you join him; ^{▼▼ Heb “you run with him.”}
you associate with men who are unfaithful to their wives. ^{▼▼ Heb “and with adulterers [is] your portion.”}
19 You do damage with words, ^{▼▼ Heb “your mouth you send with evil.”}
and use your tongue to deceive. ^{▼▼ Heb “and your tongue binds together [i.e., “frames”] deceit.”}
20 You plot against your brother; ^{▼▼ Heb “you sit, against your brother you speak.” To “sit” and “speak” against someone implies plotting against that person (see Ps 119:23).}
you slander your own brother. ^{▼▼ Heb “against the son of your mother you give a fault.”}