[1] Rescue me from evil people, O LORD. Keep me safe from violent people. [2] They plan evil things in their hearts. They start fights every day. [3] They make their tongues as sharp as a snake's fang. Their lips hide the venom of poisonous snakes. Selah [4] Protect me from the hands of wicked people, O LORD. Keep me safe from violent people. They try to trip me. [5] Arrogant people have laid a trap for me. They have spread out a net with ropes. They have set traps for me along the road. Selah [6] I said to the LORD, "You are my God." O LORD, open your ears to hear my plea for pity. [7] O LORD Almighty, the strong one who saves me, you have covered my head in the day of battle. [8] O LORD, do not give wicked people what they want. Do not let their evil plans succeed, or they will become arrogant. Selah [9] Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with their own threats. [10] Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into a pit, never to rise again. [11] Do not let slanderers prosper on earth. Let evil hunt down violent people with one blow after another. [12] I know that the LORD will defend the rights of those who are oppressed and the cause of those who are needy. [13] Indeed, righteous people will give thanks to your name. Decent people will live in your presence.
