To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men;

preserve me from violent men,

2who plan evil things in their heart,

and stir up wars continually.

3140.3: Rom 3.13.They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's,

and under their lips is the poison of vipers. Selah

4Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;

preserve me from violent men,

who have planned to trip up my feet.

5Arrogant men have hidden a trap for me,

and with cords they have spread a net,140.5 Or they have spread cords as a net

by the wayside they have set snares for me. Selah

6I say to the LORD, Thou art my God;

give ear to the voice of my supplications, O LORD!

7O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer,

thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;

do not further his evil plot! Selah

9Those who surround me lift up their head,140.9 Cn Compare Gk: Heb those who surround me are uplifted in head

let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

10Let burning coals fall upon them!

Let them be cast into pits, no more to rise!

11Let not the slanderer be established in the land;

let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!

12I know that the LORD maintains the cause of the afflicted,

and executes justice for the needy.

13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to thy name;

the upright shall dwell in thy presence.