To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

¹HEAR MY voice, O God, in my complaint; guard and preserve my life from the terror of the enemy.

²Hide me from the secret counsel and conspiracy of the ungodly, from the scheming of evildoers,

³Who whet their tongues like a sword, who aim venomous words like arrows,

⁴Who shoot from ambush at the blameless man; suddenly do they shoot at him, without self-reproach or fear.

⁵They encourage themselves in an evil purpose, they talk of laying snares secretly; they say, Who will discover us ?

⁶They think out acts of injustice and say, We have accomplished a well-devised thing! For the inward thought of each one [is unsearchable] and his heart is deep.

⁷But God will shoot an unexpected arrow at them; and suddenly shall they be wounded.

⁸And they will be made to stumble, their own tongues turning against them; all who gaze upon them will shake their heads and flee away.

⁹And all men shall [reverently] fear and be in awe; and they will declare the work of God, for they will wisely consider and acknowledge that it is His doing.

¹⁰The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise.