1 The Lord is my fortress!

Don't say to me,

"Escape like a bird

to the mountains!"

2 You tell me, "Watch out!

Those evil people have put

their arrows on their bows,

and they are standing

in the shadows,

aiming at good people.

3 What can an honest person do

when everything crumbles?"

4 The Lord is sitting

in his sacred temple

on his throne in heaven.

He knows everything we do

because he sees us all.

5 The Lord tests honest people,

but despises those

who are cruel

and love violence.

6 He will send fiery coals*

and flaming sulfur

down on the wicked,

and they will drink nothing

but a scorching wind.

7 The Lord always does right

and wants justice done.

Everyone who does right

will see his face.