1 I n the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to me, Flee like a bird to your mountain?

In Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain!”

2 F or see, the wicked are bending the bow; they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they in darkness may shoot at the upright in heart.

For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

3 I f the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do, or what has He wrought or accomplished?

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

4 T he Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes behold; His eyelids test and prove the children of men.

Yahweh is in his holy temple. Yahweh is on his throne in heaven. His eyes observe. His eyes examine the children of men.

5 T he Lord tests and proves the righteous, but His soul abhors the wicked and him who loves violence.

Yahweh examines the righteous, but the wicked and him who loves violence his soul hates.

6 U pon the wicked He will rain quick burning coals or snares; fire, brimstone, and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

7 F or the Lord is righteous, He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face, or He beholds the upright.

For Yahweh is righteous. He loves righteousness. The upright shall see his face.