1To the Chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man; keep me from the violent man, 2who devised evil things in the heart; they are always gathered for war. 3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah. 4O LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked; keep me from the violent man who purposed to trip up my steps. 5The proud have hidden cords and a trap for me; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set snares for me. Selah. 6I said to the LORD, You [are] my God; O LORD, hear the voice of my prayers. 7O Lord Jehovah, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. 8O LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not help his wicked plans, [lest] they praise themselves. Selah. 9[As for] the head of those around me, let the evil of their own lips cover them. 10Let burning coals fall on them; let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, so that they do not rise up again. 11Do not let an evil speaker be established in the earth; evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him]. 12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted [and] the right of the poor. 13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence.