Deliver Me, O Lord, from Evil Men

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1 1Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from 2violent men,
2 who plan evil things in their heart and 3stir up wars continually.
3 They make 4their tongue sharp as 5a serpent's, and 6under their lips is the 7venom of asps. Selah
4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from 8violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.
5 The arrogant have 9hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread 10a net;a beside the way they have set 11snares for me. Selah
6 12I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to 13the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!
7 O LORD, my Lord, 14the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 15Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further theirb evil plot, or 16they will be exalted! Selah
9 As for the head of those who surround me, let 17the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10 Let 18burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!
12 I know that the LORD will 19maintain the cause of the afflicted, and 20will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely 21the righteous shall give thanks to your name; 22the upright shall dwell in your presence.