The LORD a Refuge and Defense.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

1In the LORD I take refuge [and put my trust];

How can you say to me, “Flee like a bird to your mountain;

2For look, the wicked are bending the bow;

They take aim with their arrow on the string

To shoot [by stealth] in darkness at the upright in heart.

3“If the foundations [of a godly society] are destroyed,

What can the righteous do?”

4The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’S throne is in heaven.

His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of men.

5The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked,

And His soul hates the [malevolent] one who loves violence.

6Upon the wicked (godless) He will rain coals of fire;

Fire and [a]brimstone and a dreadful scorching wind will be the portion of their cup [of doom].

7For the LORD is [absolutely] righteous, He loves righteousness (virtue, morality, justice);

The upright shall see His face.