1To the chief musician, a psalm of David.¶ 2Deliver me, O Lord, from an evil man; from a man of violence do thou keep me; 3Who think over evil resolves in their heart, who every day are gathered together for war. 4They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: the poison of the adder is under their lips. Selah. 5Preserve me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked, from the man of violence do thou keep me, who think of overthrowing my steps. 6The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the side of my track; traps have they set for me. Selah. 7I have said unto the Lord, Thou art my God: give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications. 8O thou Eternal Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head on the day of battle. 9Grant not, O Lord, the longings of the wicked; suffer not his wicked device to succeed: lest they exalt themselves. Selah. 10As for the heads of those that encompass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. 11Let burning coals be cast upon them: let them be thrown into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again. 12Let not the man of an evil tongue be established on the earth: may evil hunt down the violent man to his downfall. 13I know that the Lord will procure right for the afflicted, and justice for the needy. Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell before thy presence.