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

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

2 For 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?"

4 The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven.

His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of men. [Acts 7:49; Rev 4:2]

5 The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,

And His soul hates the [malevolent] one who loves violence. [James 1:12]

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

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

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

The upright shall see His face.