Prayer for Protection from the Wicked.

For the music director; for [a]flute accompaniment. A Psalm of David.

1Listen to my words, LORD,

Consider my sighing.

2Listen to the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God,

For to You I pray.

3In the morning, LORD, [b]You will hear my voice;

In the morning I will present my [c]prayer to You and be on the watch.

4For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;

No evil can dwell with You.

5The boastful will not stand before Your eyes;

You hate all who do injustice.

6You destroy those who speak lies;

The LORD loathes the person of bloodshed and deceit.

7But as for me, by Your abundant graciousness I will enter Your house,

[d]At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.

8LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my enemies;

Make Your way [e]straight before me.

9For there is nothing [f]trustworthy in [g]their mouth;

Their inward part is destruction itself.

Their throat is an open grave;

They [h]flatter with their tongue.

10Make them pay, God;

Have them fall by their own schemes!

Scatter them in the multitude of their wrongdoings,

For they are rebellious against You.

11But rejoice, all who take refuge in You,

Sing for joy forever!

And [i]may You shelter them,

That those who love Your name may rejoice in You.

12For You bless the righteous person, LORD,

You surround him with favor as with a shield.