1 I n Jehovah do I take refuge: How say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain;

In the Lord I am safe. How can you say to me, “Fly away as a bird to your mountain?

2 F or, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart;

For look, the sinful raise their bow. They make their arrow ready on the string to shoot in the dark against the pure in heart.

3 I f the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?

If the base of the building is destroyed, what can those who are right with God do?”

4 J ehovah is in his holy temple; Jehovah, his throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

The Lord is in His holy house. The Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes see as He tests the sons of men.

5 J ehovah trieth the righteous; But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.

The Lord tests and proves those who are right and good and those who are sinful. And His soul hates the one who loves to hurt others.

6 U pon the wicked he will rain snares; Fire and brimstone and burning wind shall be the portion of their cup.

He will send down fire upon the sinful. Fire and sulphur and burning wind will be the cup they will drink.

7 F or Jehovah is righteous; he loveth righteousness: The upright shall behold his face.

For the Lord is right and good. He loves what is right and good. And those who are right with Him will see His face.