For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!

2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.

3 The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”

4 But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.

5 The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.

6 He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.

7 For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.