1 Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,
2 who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.
3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. qr Selah
4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble.
5 The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. qr Selah
6 I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.
7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. qr Selah
9 May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.
10 May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.
11 May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.
12 I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.