The Book of Psalms

To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David. Heare my voyce, O God, in my prayer: preserue my life from feare of the enemie.

Hide me from the conspiracie of the wicked, and from the rage of the workers of iniquitie.

Which haue whette their tongue like a sword, and shot for their arrowes bitter wordes.

To shoote at the vpright in secrete: they shoote at him suddenly, and feare not.

They encourage themselues in a wicked purpose: they commune together to lay snares priuilie, and say, Who shall see them?

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.

But God will shoote an arrowe at them suddenly: their strokes shalbe at once.

They shall cause their owne tongue to fall vpon them: and whosoeuer shall see them, shall flee away.

And all men shall see it, and declare the worke of God, and they shall vnderstand, what he hath wrought.

But the righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and trust in him: and all that are vpright of heart, shall reioyce.

Hear my voice, God, in my complaint. Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the noisy crowd of the ones doing evil;

who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and aim their arrows, deadly words,

to shoot innocent men from ambushes. They shoot at him suddenly and fearlessly.

They encourage themselves in evil plans. They talk about laying snares secretly. They say, “Who will see them?”

They plot injustice, saying, “We have made a perfect plan!” Surely man’s mind and heart are cunning.

But God will shoot at them. They will be suddenly struck down with an arrow.

Their own tongues shall ruin them. All who see them will shake their heads.

All mankind shall be afraid. They shall declare the work of God, and shall wisely ponder what he has done.

The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall take refuge in him. All the upright in heart shall praise him!