Study Desk

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;^(a) protect my life from the threat of the enemy.^(b)

Hide me from the conspiracy^(c) of the wicked,^(d) from the plots of evildoers.

They sharpen their tongues like swords^(e) and aim cruel words like deadly arrows.^(f)

They shoot from ambush at the innocent;^(g) they shoot suddenly, without fear.^(h)

They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares;⁽ⁱ⁾ they say, "Who will see it^[b]?"^(j)

They plot injustice and say, "We have devised a perfect plan!" Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down.

He will turn their own tongues against them^(k) and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads^(l) in scorn.^(m)

All people will fear;⁽ⁿ⁾ they will proclaim the works of God and ponder what he has done.^(o)

The righteous will rejoice in the Lord ^(p) and take refuge in him;^(q) all the upright in heart will glory in him!^(r)

For the director of music. Of David. A petition.

Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord , to help me.^(b)

May those who want to take my life^(c) be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.^(d)

May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!"^(e) turn back because of their shame.

But may all who seek you^(f) rejoice and be glad^(g) in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, "The Lord is great!"^(h)

But as for me, I am poor and needy;⁽ⁱ⁾ come quickly to me,^(j) O God. You are my help^(k) and my deliverer;^(l) Lord , do not delay.^(m)