1
Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men;
Preserve me from violent men,
2
Who plan evil things in their hearts;
a They continually gather together for war.
3
They sharpen their tongues like a serpent;
The b poison of asps is under their lips. Selah
4
c Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
Preserve me from violent men,
Who have purposed to make my steps stumble.
5
The proud have hidden a d snare for me, and cords;
They have spread a net by the wayside;
They have set traps for me. Selah
6
I said to the LORD: "You are my God;
Hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
7
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
You have 1 covered my head in the day of battle.
8
Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
Do not further his wicked scheme,
e Lest they be exalted. Selah
9
"As for the head of those who surround me,
Let the evil of their lips cover them;
10
f Let burning coals fall upon them;
Let them be cast into the fire,
Into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
11
Let not a slanderer be established in the earth;
Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him."
12
I know that the LORD will g maintain
The cause of the afflicted,
And justice for the poor.
13
Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name;
The upright shall dwell in Your presence.