[1] O LORD, rescue me from wicked men. Protect me from violent men, [2] who plan ways to harm me. All day long they stir up conflict. [3] Their tongues wound like a serpent; a viper's venom is behind their lips. (Selah) [4] O LORD, shelter me from the power of the wicked. Protect me from violent men, who plan to knock me over. [5] Proud men hide a snare for me; evil men spread a net by the path. They set traps for me. (Selah) [6] I say to the LORD, "You are my God." O LORD, pay attention to my plea for mercy. [7] O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle. [8] O LORD, do not let the wicked have their way. Do not allow their plan to succeed when they attack. (Selah) [9] As for the heads of those who surround me-may the harm done by their lips overwhelm them. [10] May he rain down fiery coals upon them. May he throw them into the fire. From bottomless pits they will not escape. [11] A slanderer will not endure on the earth; calamity will hunt down a violent man and strike him down. [12] I know that the LORD defends the cause of the oppressed and vindicates the poor. [13] Certainly the godly will give thanks to your name; the morally upright will live in your presence.
