For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.Rescue me, Lord, from evil men.
Keep me safe from violent men

They make their tongues
as sharp as a snake’s bite;
viper’s venom is under their lips.Selah

I know that the Lord upholds
the just cause of the poor,
justice for the needy.

Lord God, my strong Savior,
You shield my head on the day of battle.

Protect me, Lord,
from the clutches of the wicked.
Keep me safe from violent men
who plan to make me stumble.

Surely the righteous will praise Your name;
the upright will live in Your presence.

I say to the Lord, “You are my God.”
Listen, Lord, to my cry for help.

who plan evil in their hearts.
They stir up wars all day long.

The proud hide a trap with ropes for me;
they spread a net along the path
and set snares for me.Selah

Do not let a slanderer stay in the land.
Let evil relentlessly hunt down a violent man.

Let hot coals fall on them.
Let them be thrown into the fire,
into the abyss, never again to rise.

Lord, do not grant the desires of the wicked;
do not let them achieve their goals.
Otherwise, they will become proud.Selah

When those who surround me rise up,
may the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them.