1A psalm of David.
2May my prayer be valued as incense before thee, the lifting up of my hands, as the evening offering.
3Set, O Lord, a watch unto my mouth: keep a guard at the door of my lips.
4Permit not my heart to incline after any evil thing, to practise deeds in wickedness with men that are doers of wrong: and let me not eat of their dainties.
5If the righteous strike me, it is a kindness; and if he reprove me, it is as oil poured on the head, my head shall not refuse it; for yet my prayer also is offered in their sufferings.
6Are their judges fallen down through means of a rock: then will they listen to my words; for they are pleasant.
7As when one cutteth in and splitteth open the earth: so are our bones scattered for the mouth of the grave.
8For unto thee, O Eternal Lord, are my eyes directed; in thee do I trust: pour not out my life.
9Guard me from the power of the snare which they have laid for me, and the traps of the wrong-doers.
10Let the wicked fall into their own nets, altogether—while I pass safely by.