Prayer for Protection from Enemies

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

1Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint;

preserve my life from the dread enemy.

2Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,

from the scheming of evildoers,

3who whet their tongues like swords,

who aim bitter words like arrows,

4shooting from ambush at the blameless;

they shoot suddenly and without fear.

5They hold fast to their evil purpose;

they talk of laying snares secretly,

thinking, ‘Who can see us?64.5 Syr: Heb them

6Who can search out our crimes?64.6 Cn: Heb They search out crimes

We have thought out a cunningly conceived plot.’

For the human heart and mind are deep.

7But God will shoot his arrow at them;

they will be wounded suddenly.

8Because of their tongue he will bring them to ruin;64.8 Cn: Heb They will bring him to ruin, their tongue being against them

all who see them will shake with horror.

9Then everyone will fear;

they will tell what God has brought about,

and ponder what he has done.

10Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD

and take refuge in him.

Let all the upright in heart glory.