(A psalm by David for the music leader.)

A prayer for the LORD's help

1Rescue me from cruel

and violent enemies, LORD!

2They think up evil plans

and always cause trouble.

3Their words bite deep140.3: Ro 3.13.

like the poisonous fangs

of a snake.

4Protect me, LORD, from cruel

and brutal enemies,

who want to destroy me.

5Those proud people have hidden

traps and nets

to catch me as I walk.

6You, LORD, are my God!

Please listen to my prayer.

7You have the power to save me,

and you keep me safe

in every battle.

8Don't let the wicked succeed

in doing what they want,

or else they might never

stop planning evil.

9They have me surrounded,

but make them the victims

of their own vicious lies.140.8,9 or else…lies: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.

10Tip flaming coals on them

and throw them into pits

where they can't climb out.

11Chase those cruel liars away!

Let trouble hunt them down.

12Our LORD, I know that you

defend the homeless

and see that the poor

are given justice.

13Your people will praise you

and will live with you

because they do right.