Be watchful of

ourselves in order not

to go astray

For the director of music. A miktam of David to the tune of “Do Not Destroy.”

Are you rulers really fair when you speak?
Do you judge people honestly?

2 No, in your hearts you plan to be unfair.
With your hands you do terrible things on the earth.

3 Even from birth those who are evil go down the wrong path.
From the day they are born they go the wrong way and speak lies.

4 Their words are like the poison of a snake.
They are like the poison of a cobra that has covered up its ears.

5 It won’t listen to any tune of a snake charmer,
even if the charmer really plays well.

6 God, break the teeth in the mouths of those sinners!
Lord, tear out the sharp teeth of those lions!

7 Let those people disappear like water that flows away.
When they draw their bows, let their arrows be dull.

8 Let them be like a slug that melts away as it moves along.
Let them be like a baby that is born dead and never sees the sun.

9 Evil people will be swept away quicker than a pot can feel the heat of thorns burning under it.
And it doesn’t matter if the thorns are green or dry.

10 Godly people will be glad when those who have hurt them are paid back.
They will wash their feet in the blood of those who do evil.

11 Then people will say,
“The godly will get their reward.
There really is a God who judges the earth.”