For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1Deliver me, O Jehovah, from the evil man;
Preserve me from the violent man:
2Who devise mischiefs in their heart;
Continually do they gather themselves together for war.
3They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent;
Adders’ poison is under their lips. [Selah
4Keep me, O Jehovah, from the hands of the wicked;
Preserve me from the violent man:
Who have purposed to thrust aside my steps.
5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords;
They have spread a net by the wayside;
They have set gins for me. [Selah
6I said unto Jehovah, Thou art my God:
Give ear unto the voice of my supplications, O Jehovah.
7O Jehovah the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8Grant not, O Jehovah, the desires of the wicked;
Further not his evil device, lest they exalt themselves. [Selah
9As for the head of those that compass me about,
Let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10Let burning coals fall upon them:
Let them be cast into the fire,
Into deep pits, whence they shall not rise.
11An evil speaker shall not be established in the earth:
Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
12I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
And justice for the needy.
13Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name:
The upright shall dwell in thy presence.