The LORD, a Refuge and Defense.

For the music director. A Psalm of David.

1In the LORD I take refuge;

How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain?

2“For, behold, the wicked bend the bow,

They have [a]set their arrow on the string

To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

3“If the foundations are destroyed,

What can the righteous do?”

4The LORD is in His holy temple; the [b]LORD’S throne is in heaven;

His eyes see, His eyelids test the sons of mankind.

5The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked,

And His soul hates one who loves violence.

6He will rain [c]coals of fire upon the wicked,

And brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.

7For the LORD is righteous, He loves [d]righteousness;

The upright will see His face.