Psalms 64 · The Hurtful Tongue

1For the leader. A psalm of David.

2Hear my voice, O God, when I plead;guard my life from the enemy’s terror.

3Hide me from a band of evildoers,from a crowd of wrongdoers,

4who whet their tongues like swords;they aim their arrows—cruel words—

5to shoot from hiding at someone blameless,shooting suddenly and without fear.

6They arm themselves with an evil word;when they speak, it is to conceal traps; they think, “Who will see them?”

7Let the wrongdoings they have concealed, with some mss. (cf. Minḥat Shai) and Rashi; most printed editions tamnu, traditionally rendered “they have accomplished.” each one’s inner, secret thoughts,be wholly exposed.

8God shall shoot them with arrows;they shall be struck down suddenly.

9Their tongue shall be their downfall;all who see them shall recoil in horror;

10all people shall stand in awe;they shall proclaim the work of Godwhose deed they perceived.

11In GOD shall the righteous rejoiceand take refuge;all the upright shall exult.