The Hurtful Tongue

1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. Hear my voice, God, in my complaint. Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

2Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the noisy crowd of the ones doing evil;

3who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and aim their arrows, deadly words,

4to shoot innocent men from ambushes. They shoot at him suddenly and fearlessly.

5They encourage themselves in evil plans. They talk about laying snares secretly. They say, “Who will see them?”

6They plot injustice, saying, “We have made a perfect plan!” Surely man’s mind and heart are cunning.

7But God will shoot at them. They will be suddenly struck down with an arrow.

8Their own tongues shall ruin them. All who see them will shake their heads.

9All mankind shall be afraid. They shall declare the work of God, and shall wisely ponder what he has done.

10The righteous shall be glad in Yahweh, and shall take refuge in him. All the upright in heart shall praise him!