2 The words “God says” are not in the Hebrew text, but are supplied in the translation to clarify that God speaks in vv. 2–3.
3 Heb “when I take an appointed time.”
4 Heb “I, [in] fairness, I judge.” The statement is understood in a generalizing sense; God typically executes fair judgment as he governs the world. One could take this as referring to an anticipated (future) judgment, “I will judge.”
5 Heb “melt.”
6 The statement is understood in a generalizing sense; God typically prevents the world from being overrun by chaos. One could take this as referring to an anticipated event, “I will make its pillars secure.”

In other versions

“At the set time that I appoint

I will judge with equity.

When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,

it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah

You say, “I choose the appointed time;

it is I who judge with equity.

When the earth and all its people quake,

it is I who hold its pillars firm.

“When I choose a time,

I will judge fairly.

When the earth and all its inhabitants shake,

I am the one who steadies its pillars.

Selah

God says, “At the time I have planned,

I will bring justice against the wicked.

When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil,

I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.

Interlude

“I will indeed set an appointed time;

I will judge fairly.

The earth and all its inhabitants are shaking;

I steady its columns. Selah

When I shall receive the congregation

I will judge uprightly.

The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved:

I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.

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