Hear me, O God, as my complaint I voice;

Hear me, O God, as my complaint I voice; From threat of enemies protect my life. Hide me from every plot of wickedness And from the rage of evildoers’ strife.

They whet their tongues until they are like swords, Their bitter words like deadly arrows aim. They shoot in secret at the innocent, And suddenly attack him without shame.

They spur each other on to evil deeds; Their snares they cover, saying, “Who will see? We surely have devised a perfect plan.” How cunning human minds and hearts can be!

But with sharp arrows God will shoot at them, And suddenly they’ll be struck down and slain. So, using their own words, he ruins them And all who see will treat them with disdain.

All people then will fear and will proclaim The works of God and think upon his ways. Let righteous people glory in the LORD! He shelters them; so let them give him praise.