For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

1 Deliver me, O Jehovah, from the evil man;

Preserve me from the violent man:

2 Who devise mischiefs in their heart;

Continually do they gather themselves together for war.

3 They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent;

Adders’ poison is under their lips. [Selah

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

Preserve me from the violent man:

Who have purposed to thrust aside my steps.

5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords;

They have spread a net by the wayside;

They have set gins for me. [Selah

6 I said unto Jehovah, Thou art my God:

Give ear unto the voice of my supplications, O Jehovah.

7 O Jehovah the Lord, the strength of my salvation,

Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Grant not, O Jehovah, the desires of the wicked;

Further not his evil device, lest they exalt themselves. [Selah

9 As for the head of those that compass me about,

Let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10 Let burning coals fall upon them:

Let them be cast into the fire,

Into deep pits, whence they shall not rise.

11 An evil speaker shall not be established in the earth:

Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

12 I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted,

And justice for the needy.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name:

The upright shall dwell in thy presence.