3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain

over the land allotted to the righteous,

for then the righteous might use

their hands to do evil.

3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous;

Lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.

3 The wicked will not rule the land of the godly,

for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.

3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest

On the land allotted to the righteous,

Lest the righteous reach out their hands to iniquity.

3 The wicked will not rule

over those who do right.

If they did, the people who do right

might use their power to do evil.

3 For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous;

That the righteous put not forth their hands unto iniquity.

3 For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.

3 A wicked ruler will not be allowed to govern 

the land set aside for righteous people. 

That is why righteous people do not use their power to do wrong. 

3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain

over the land allotted to the righteous,

so that the righteous will not apply their hands to injustice.

3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest

on the land allotted to the righteous,

so that the righteous might not stretch out

their hands to do wrong.

3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest

on the land of the righteous,

lest the righteous stretch out

their hands to do wickedness.

3 Evil people will not always rule

the land the Lord gave to those who do right.

If they did, those who do right

might do what is evil.

3 For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land of the righteous,

So that the righteous will not put forth their hands to do wrong.