1 [For the choir director; by David.] I have taken refuge in the LORD. How can you say to me: "Flee to your mountain like a bird?

2 Wicked people bend their bows. They set their arrows against the strings to shoot in the dark at people whose motives are decent.

3 When the foundations [of life] are undermined, what can a righteous person do?"

4 The LORD is in his holy temple. The LORD's throne is in heaven. His eyes see. They examine Adam's descendants.

5 The LORD tests righteous people, but he hates wicked people and the ones who love violence.

6 He rains down fire and burning sulfur upon wicked people. He makes them drink from a cup filled with scorching wind.

7 The LORD is righteous. He loves a righteous way of life. Decent people will see his face.