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)