[1] Rescue me, O Yahweh, from evil men; Guard me from violent men [2] Who think up evil things in their hearts; They continually stir up wars. [3] They sharpen their tongues as a serpent; Poison of an asp is under their lips. Selah. [4] Keep me, O Yahweh, from the hands of the wicked; Guard me from violent men Who give thought to trip up my steps. [5] The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set snares for me. Selah. [6] I said to Yahweh, “You are my God; Give ear, O Yahweh, to the voice of my supplications. [7] “O Yahweh, O Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. [8] “Do not grant, O Yahweh, the desires of the wicked; Do not promote his evil scheme, that they not be exalted. Selah. [9] “As for the head of those who surround me, May the trouble from their lips cover them. [10] “May burning coals be shaken out upon them; May He cause them to fall into the fire, Into bottomless pits from which they can never rise. [11] “May a slanderer not be established in the earth; May evil hunt the violent man speedily.” [12] I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause for the afflicted And judgment for the needy. [13] Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name; The upright will abide in Your presence.
