[1] Rescue me from evil people, LORD! Guard me from violent people [2] who plot evil things in their hearts, who pick fights every single day! [3] They sharpen their tongues like a snake’s; spider poison is on their lips. Selah [4] Protect me from the power of the wicked, LORD! Guard me from violent people who plot to trip me up! [5] Arrogant people have laid a trap for me with ropes. They’ve spread out a net alongside the road. They’ve set snares for me. Selah [6] I tell the LORD, “You are my God! Listen to my request for mercy, LORD!” [7] My LORD God, my strong saving help—you’ve protected my head on the day of battle. [8] LORD, don’t give the wicked what they want! Don’t allow their plans to succeed, or they’ll exalt themselves even more! Selah [9] Let the heads of the people surrounding me be covered with the trouble their own lips caused! [10] Let burning coals fall on them! Let them fall into deep pits and never get out again! [11] Let no slanderer be safe in the land. Let calamity hunt down violent people—and quickly! [12] I know that the LORD will take up the case of the poor and will do what is right for the needy. [13] Yes, the righteous will give thanks to your name, and those who do right will live in your presence.
