Prayer for Protection against the Wicked.

For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

1 Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men;
          Preserve me from violent men

2 Who devise evil things in their hearts;
          They continually stir up wars.

3 They sharpen their tongues as a serpent;
          Poison of a viper is under their lips.


4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
          Preserve me from violent men
          Who have purposed to trip up my feet.

5 The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords;
          They have spread a net by the wayside;
          They have set snares for me.


6 I said to the LORD, “You are my God;
          Give ear, O LORD, to the voice of my supplications.

7 “O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
          You have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 “Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
          Do not promote his evil device, that they not be exalted.


9 “As for the head of those who surround me,
          May the mischief of their lips cover them.

10 “May burning coals fall upon them;
          May they be cast into the fire,
          Into deep pits from which they cannot rise.

11 “May a slanderer not be established in the earth;
          May evil hunt the violent man speedily.”

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted
          And justice for the poor.

13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name;
          The upright will dwell in Your presence.