For the music director; a psalm of David. O Lord, rescue me from wicked men! Protect me from violent men,

Their tongues wound like a serpent; a viper's venom is behind their lips. (Selah)

I know that the Lord defends the cause of the oppressed and vindicates the poor.

O sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.

O Lord, shelter me from the power of the wicked! Protect me from violent men, who plan to knock me over.

Certainly the godly will give thanks to your name; the morally upright will live in your presence.

I say to the Lord, "You are my God." O Lord, pay attention to my plea for mercy!

who plan ways to harm me. All day long they stir up conflict.

Proud men hide a snare for me; evil men spread a net by the path; they set traps for me. (Selah)

A slanderer will not endure on the earth; calamity will hunt down a violent man and strike him down.

May he rain down fiery coals upon them! May he throw them into the fire! From bottomless pits they will not escape.

O Lord, do not let the wicked have their way! Do not allow their plan to succeed when they attack! (Selah)

As for the heads of those who surround me -- may the harm done by their lips overwhelm them!