[1] Hear my voice, O God, when I complain. Protect my life from a terrifying enemy. [2] Hide me from the secret plots of criminals, from the mob of troublemakers. [3] They sharpen their tongues like swords. They aim bitter words like arrows [4] to shoot at innocent people from their hiding places. They shoot at them suddenly, without any fear. [5] They encourage one another in their evil plans. They talk about setting traps and say, "Who can see them?" [6] They search for the perfect crime and say, "We have perfected a foolproof scheme!" Human nature and the human heart are a mystery! [7] But God will shoot them with an arrow. Suddenly, they will be struck dead. [8] They will trip over their own tongues. Everyone who sees them will shake his head. [9] Everyone will be afraid and conclude, "This is an act of God!" They will learn from what he has done. [10] Righteous people will find joy in the LORD and take refuge in him. Everyone whose motives are decent will be able to brag.
