1 To the Chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man; keep me from the violent man,2 who devised evil things in the heart; they are always gathered for war.3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah.4 O LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked; keep me from the violent man who purposed to trip up my steps.5 The proud have hidden cords and a trap for me; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set snares for me. Selah.6 I said to the LORD, You [are] my God; O LORD, hear the voice of my prayers.7 O Lord Jehovah, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.8 O LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not help his wicked plans, [lest] they praise themselves. Selah.9 [As for] the head of those around me, let the evil of their own lips cover them.10 Let burning coals fall on them; let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, so that they do not rise up again.11 Do not let an evil speaker be established in the earth; evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted [and] the right of the poor.13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.