1To the Chief Musician. Do not destroy. A secret treasure of David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me. 2Deliver me from the workers of evil and save me from bloody men. 3For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul; the mighty are gathered against me; not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD. 4Without [my] fault they run and prepare themselves; awaken to help me, and look [on me]. 5And You, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the nations; do not be merciful to any plotting evil. Selah. 6They return at evening; they make a noise like a dog, and go around the city. 7Behold, they bellow out with their mouth; swords [are] in their lips; for [they say], Who hears? 8But You, O Jehovah, shall laugh at them; You will mock at all the nations. 9O my Strength, let me look to You, for God [is] my strong tower. 10The God of my mercy shall go before me; God shall let me see [my desire] on my enemies. 11Do not kill them, lest my people forget; scatter them by Your power and bring them down, O LORD our shield. 12[For] the sin of their mouth [is] the word of their lips, even let them be taken in their pride; and for cursing and the lying [which] they speak. 13Consume [them] in wrath; consume, so that they may not be; and let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah. 14And at evening they shall return; let them howl like a dog, and go around the city. 15Let them wander up and down for food, and growl if they are not satisfied. 16But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my strong tower and hiding-place in the day of my trouble. 17To You, O my strength, I will sing; for God [is] my strong tower [and] the God of my mercy.