1 For the leader. A psalm of David.
2 Deliver me, Lord, from the wicked;preserve me from the violent,
3 From those who plan evil in their hearts,who stir up conflicts every day,
4 Who sharpen their tongue like a serpent,venom of asps upon their lips.Selah
5 Keep me, Lord, from the clutches of the wicked;preserve me from the violent,who plot to trip me up.
6 The arrogant have set a trap for me;they have spread out ropes for a net,laid snares for me by the wayside.Selah
7 I say to the Lord: You are my God;listen, Lord, to the words of my pleas.
8 Lord, my master, my strong deliverer,you cover my head on the day of armed conflict.
9 Lord, do not grant the desires of the wicked one;do not let his plot succeed.Selah
10 Those who surround me raise their heads;may the mischief they threaten overwhelm them.
11 Drop burning coals upon them;cast them into the watery pit never more to rise.
12 Slanderers will not survive on earth;evil will hunt down the man of violence to overthrow him.
13 For I know the Lord will take up the cause of the needy,justice for the poor.
14 Then the righteous will give thanks to your name;the upright will dwell in your presence.