God Alone a Refuge from Treachery and Oppression.
To the Chief Musician; to Jeduthun [Ethan, the noted musician, founder of an official musical family]. A Psalm of David.
1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;
From Him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
My defense and my strong tower; I will not be shaken or disheartened.
3 How long will you attack a man
So that you may murder him, all of you,
Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?
4 They consult only to throw him down from his high position [to dishonor him];
They delight in lies.
They bless with [the words of] their mouths,
But inwardly they curse. Selah.
5 For God alone my soul waits in silence and quietly submits to Him,
For my hope is from Him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation;
My fortress and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged.
7 On God my salvation and my glory rest;
He is my rock of [unyielding] strength, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust [confidently] in Him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before Him.
God is a refuge for us. Selah.
9 Men of low degree are only a breath (emptiness), and men of [high] rank are a lie (delusion).
In the balances they go up [because they have no measurable weight or value];
They are together lighter than a breath.
10 Do not trust in oppression,
And do not vainly hope in robbery;
If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11 God has spoken once,
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God.
12 Also to You, O Lord, belong lovingkindness and compassion,
For You compensate every man according to [the value of] his work. [Jer 17:10; Rev 22:12]