1“For the leader of the music. A psalm of David.” Deliver me, O LORD! from the evil man, Save me from the man of violence,

2Who meditate mischief in their heart, And daily stir up war!

3They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of the adder is under their lips. [[Pause.]]

4Defend me, O LORD! from the hands of the wicked, Preserve me from the man of violence, Who have purposed to cause my fall! [[Pause.]]

5The proud have hidden snares and cords for me; They have spread a net by the way-side; They have set traps for me.

6I say to Jehovah, Thou art my God; Hear, O Jehovah! the voice of my supplication!

7The Lord Jehovah is my saving strength: Thou shelterest my head in the day of battle!

8Grant not, O LORD! the desires of the wicked; Let not their devices prosper; Let them not exalt themselves!

9As for the heads of those who encompass me, Let the mischief of their own lips cover them!

10Let burning coals fall upon them; May they be cast into the fire, And into deep waters from which they shall not arise!

11The slanderer shall not be established upon the earth; Evil shall pursue the violent man to destruction.

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

13Yea, the righteous shall praise thy name; The upright shall dwell in thy presence!