1For the end, a Psalm of David.

2Rescue me, O Lord, from the evil man; deliver me from the unjust man.

3Who have devised injustice in their hearts; all the day they prepared war.

4They have sharpened their tongue as the tongue of a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips. Pause.

5Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the sinner; rescue me from unjust men; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

6The proud have hid a snare for me, and have stretched out ropes for snares for my feet; they set a stumbling-block for me near the path. Pause.

7I said to the Lord, Thou art my God; hearken, O Lord, to the voice of my supplication.

8O Lord God, the strength of my salvation; thou hast screened my head in the day of battle.

9Deliver me not, O Lord, to the sinner, according to my desire: they have devised mischief against me; forsake me not, lest they should be exalted. Pause.

10As for the head of them that compass me, the mischief of their lips shall cover them.

11Coals of fire shall fall upon them on the earth; and thou shalt cast them down in afflictions: they shall not bear up under them.

12A talkative man shall not prosper on the earth: evils shall hunt the unrighteous man to destruction.

13I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the ²⁴⁸poor, and the right of the needy ones.

14Surely the righteous shall give thanks to thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.