To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

1Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man; keep me from the violent man,

2Those who devise evil things in their hearts; together they always stir up wars.

3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; the poison of a viper is under their lips. Selah.

4O LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man who purposed to overthrow my steps.

5The proud have hidden a snare and a trap for me; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set traps for me. Selah.

6I said to the LORD, "You are my God; O LORD, hear the voice of my supplications.

7O Lord GOD, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.

8O LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not further their wicked plots, lest they exalt themselves. Selah.

9"As for the head of those who surround me, let the evil of their own lips cover them.

10Let burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, so that they do not rise up again.

11Let not a slanderer be established in the earth; let calamity hunt down the violent man with thrust upon thrust."

12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor.

13Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.