1 To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David. Heare my voyce, O God, in my prayer: preserue my life from feare of the enemie. 2 Hide me from the conspiracie of the wicked, and from the rage of the workers of iniquitie. 3 Which haue whette their tongue like a sword, and shot for their arrowes bitter wordes. 4 To shoote at the vpright in secrete: they shoote at him suddenly, and feare not. 5 They encourage themselues in a wicked purpose: they commune together to lay snares priuilie, and say, Who shall see them? 6 They haue sought out iniquities, and haue accomplished that which they sought out, euen euery one his secret thoughtes, and the depth of his heart. 7 But God will shoote an arrowe at them suddenly: their strokes shalbe at once. 8 They shall cause their owne tongue to fall vpon them: and whosoeuer shall see them, shall flee away. 9 And all men shall see it, and declare the worke of God, and they shall vnderstand, what he hath wrought. 10 But the righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in him: and all that are vpright of heart, shall reioyce.
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
Celebrate because of the Lord
1 Listen to my concerns, God,
and protect me
from my enemies' threats.
2 Keep me safe from secret plots
of corrupt and evil gangs.
3 Their words cut like swords,
and their cruel remarks
sting like sharp arrows.
4 They fearlessly ambush
and shoot innocent people.
5 They are determined to do evil,
and they tell themselves,
“Let's set traps!
No one can see us.”
6 They make evil plans and say,
“We'll commit a perfect crime.
No one knows our thoughts.”
7 But God will shoot his arrows
and quickly wound them.
8 They will be destroyed
by their own words,
and everyone who sees them
will tremble with fear.
9 They will be afraid and say,
“Look at what God has done
and keep it all in mind.”
10 May the Lord bless his people
with peace and happiness
and let them celebrate.