1 I n the Lord I take refuge; How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain;

To the Overseer. -- By David. In Jehovah I trusted, how say ye to my soul, `They moved Thy mountain for the bird?

2 F or, behold, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

For lo, the wicked tread a bow, They have prepared their arrow on the string, To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

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

When the foundations are destroyed, The righteous -- what hath he done?

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

`Jehovah in his holy temple: Jehovah -- in the heavens His throne. His eyes see -- His eyelids try the sons of men.

5 T he Lord tests the righteous and the wicked, And the one who loves violence His soul hates.

Jehovah the righteous doth try. And the wicked and the lover of violence, Hath His soul hated,

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

He poureth on the wicked snares, fire, and brimstone, And a horrible wind the portion of their cup.

7 F or the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face.

For righteous Jehovah, Righteousness He hath loved, The upright doth His countenance see!'