✧For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. Deliver me, LORD, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men: ✧2those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war. ✧3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. Selah. ✧4LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet. ✧5The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah. ✧6I said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, LORD. ✧7LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. ✧8LORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah. ✧9As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. ✧10Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise. ✧11An evil speaker won’t be established on the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him. ✧12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy. ✧13Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.