Psalms 64

1 For the leader. A psalm of David. Hear, O my God, the voice of my lament: guard my life from the dread of the foe.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint: preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

2 Hide me from villains who secretly plot, from the blustering throng of the workers of evil,

Hide me from the secret counsel of evil-doers; from the tumult of the workers of iniquity:

3 who have sharpened their tongue like a sword, and aimed bitter words like arrows,

Who have whet their tongue like a sword, and have aimed their arrows, even bitter words:

4 which from ambush they launch at the blameless, shooting swiftly and unafraid.

That they may shoot in secret places at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

5 They strengthen their wicked purpose, they tell of the snares they have hidden, they say to themselves, ‘Who can see?’

They encourage themselves in an evil purpose; they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

6 They think out their crimes full cunningly hidden deep in their crafty hearts.

They search out iniquities; We have accomplished, [say they], a diligent search: and the inward thought of every one, and the heart, is deep.

7 But God with his arrow will shoot them, swiftly shall they be smitten.

But God shall shoot at them; with an arrow suddenly shall they be wounded.

8 For their tongue he will bring them to ruin, all will shudder with horror at the sight of them.

So they shall be made to stumble, their own tongue being against them: all that see them shall wag the head.

9 Then every person, touched to awe, as they ponder what God has wrought, will tell the tale of his deeds.

And all men shall fear; and they shall declare the work of God, and shall wisely consider of his doing.

10 In the Lord shall the righteous rejoice, in him shall they take refuge; and all the true-hearted shall glory.

The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.