For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

1Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men;
         Preserve me from violent men

2Who devise evil things in their hearts;
         They continually stir up wars.

3They sharpen their tongues as a serpent;
         Poison of a viper is under their lips.

4Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
         Preserve me from violent men
         Who have purposed to trip up my feet.

5The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords;
         They have spread a net by the wayside;
         They have set snares for me.

6I said to the LORD, “You are my God;
         Give ear, O LORD, to the voice of my supplications.

7“O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
         You have covered my head in the day of battle.

8“Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
         Do not promote his evil device, that they not be exalted.

9“As for the head of those who surround me,
         May the mischief of their lips cover them.

10“May burning coals fall upon them;
         May they be cast into the fire,
         Into deep pits from which they cannot rise.

11“May a slanderer not be established in the earth;
         May evil hunt the violent man speedily.”

12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted
         And justice for the poor.

13Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name;
         The upright will dwell in Your presence.

NASB ©1995