And now they are tearing down all its engravings with axes and crowbars.

Let the rivers clap their hands! Let the mountains sing in unison

He is the one who forms every human heart, and takes note of all their actions.

They surround me like water all day long; they join forces and encircle me.

Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape.

The kings of the earth form a united front; the rulers collaborate against the Lord and his anointed king.

May those who are trying to snatch away my life be totally embarrassed and ashamed! May those who want to harm me be turned back and ashamed!

All who hate me whisper insults about me to one another; they plan ways to harm me.

Pay attention, all you people, both rich and poor!

Surely one sees that even wise people die; fools and spiritually insensitive people all pass away and leave their wealth to others.

They say to themselves, “We will oppress all of them.” They burn down all the places where people worship God in the land.

O Lord, teach me how you want me to live! Then I will obey your commands. Make me wholeheartedly committed to you!

A song of ascents, by David. Look! How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together!

For I hear what so many are saying, the terrifying news that comes from every direction. When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life.

Men are nothing but a mere breath; human beings are unreliable. When they are weighed in the scales, all of them together are lighter than air.