David asks the LORD to rescue him from violent people who plan evil and whose tongues are sharp as a serpent's. He trusts that the LORD will defend the cause of the poor and that the righteous will live in his presence.
1 To the chief Musician , A Psalm of David . Deliver me, O LORD , from the evil man : preserve me from the violent man ;
2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart ; continually are they gathered together for war .
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent ; adders ' poison is under their lips . Selah .
4 Keep me, O LORD , from the hands of the wicked ; preserve me from the violent man ; who have purposed to overthrow my goings .
5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords ; they have spread a net by the wayside ; they have set gins for me. Selah .
6 I said unto the LORD , Thou art my God : hear the voice of my supplications , O LORD .
7 O GOD the Lord , the strength of my salvation , thou hast covered my head in the day of battle .
8 Grant not, O LORD , the desires of the wicked : further not his wicked device ; lest they exalt themselves. Selah .
9 As for the head of those that compass me about , let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire ; into deep pits , that they rise not up again .
11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth : evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted , and the right of the poor .
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name : the upright shall dwell in thy presence .