The Message Bible MSG
New Living Translation NLT
1 I've already run for dear life straight to the arms of God. So why would I run away now when you say,
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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 evil bows are bent, the wicked arrows Aimed to shoot under cover of darkness at every heart open to God.
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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 bottom's dropped out of the country; good people don't have a chance"?
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The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”
4 But God hasn't moved to the mountains; his holy address hasn't changed. He's in charge, as always, his eyes taking everything in, his eyelids Unblinking, examining Adam's unruly brood inside and out, not missing a thing.
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But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.
5 He tests the good and the bad alike; if anyone cheats, God's outraged.
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The LORD examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates those who love violence.
6 Fail the test and you're out, out in a hail of firestones, Drinking from a canteen filled with hot desert wind.
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He will rain down blazing coals and burning sulfur on the wicked, punishing them with scorching winds.
7 God's business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, Setting us straight. Once we're standing tall, we can look him straight in the eye.
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For the righteous LORD loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by
Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.