Psalms 50:16

God says this to the evildoer: ¹  “How can you declare my commands, and talk about my covenant? ² 

But to the wicked, God says: "What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?

But to the wicked God says, "What right have you to tell of My statutes And to take My covenant in your mouth?

But God says to the wicked: "Recite my laws no longer, and don’t pretend that you obey me.

Next, God calls up the wicked: "What are you up to, quoting my laws, talking like we are good friends?

But to the sinner, God says, What are you doing, talking of my laws, or taking the words of my agreement in your mouth?

But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes, or take my covenant on your lips?

But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to declare My statutes, Or take My covenant in your mouth,

God says this to the evildoer: ¹  “How can you declare my commands, and talk about my covenant? ² 

¹ tn 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, rÿsha’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).

² tn 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).