Prayer for Protection against the Wicked.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

1Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men;

Protect me from violent men.

2They devise evil things in their hearts;

They continually [gather together and] stir up wars.

3They sharpen their tongues like a serpent’s;

Poison of a viper is under their lips. Selah.

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

Protect me from violent men

Who intend to trip up my steps.

5The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords;

They have spread a net by the wayside;

They have set traps for me. Selah.

6I said to the LORD, “You are my God;

Listen to the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

7“O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation,

You have covered my head in the day of battle.

8“Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;

Do not further their evil device, that they not be exalted. Selah.

9“Those who surround me raise their heads;

May the mischief of their own lips come upon them.

10“Let burning coals fall upon them;

Let them be thrown into the fire,

Into deep [water] pits from which they cannot rise.

11“Do not let a slanderer be established in the earth;

Let evil quickly hunt the violent man [to overthrow him and stop his evil acts].”

12I know [with confidence] that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted,

And [will secure] justice for the poor.

13Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name;

The upright will dwell in Your presence.