1 For the chief music-maker. Of David. In the Lord put I my faith; how will you say to my soul, Go in flight like a bird to the mountain?

2 See, the bows of the evil-doers are bent, they make ready their arrows on the cord, so that they may send them secretly against the upright in heart.

3 If the bases are broken down, what is the upright man to do?

4 The Lord is in his holy Temple, the Lord's seat is in heaven; his eyes are watching and testing the children of men.

5 The Lord puts the upright and the sinner to the test, but he has hate in his soul for the lover of violent acts.

6 On the evil-doer he will send down fire and flames, and a burning wind; with these will their cup be full.

7 For the Lord is upright; he is a lover of righteousness: the upright will see his face.

For the Chief Musician. By David.

1 In Yahweh, I take refuge.

How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain"?

2 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 If the foundations are destroyed,

what can the righteous do?

4 Yahweh is in his holy temple.

Yahweh is on his throne in heaven.

His eyes observe.

His eyes examine the children of men.

5 Yahweh examines the righteous,

but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence.

6 On the wicked he will rain blazing coals;

fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

7 For Yahweh is righteous.

He loves righteousness.

The upright shall see his face.