1For the worship leader. A Psalm by David. Yahweh, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from violent people,
2who plan trouble in their hearts. They are always gathering for war.
3They have sharpened their tongues like a snake. The poison of a viper is under their lips. Pause.
4Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Protect me from violent people who intend to make me fall.
5Arrogant people have hidden a trap for me; they have spread ropes of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Pause.
6I said to Yahweh, "You are my God." Yahweh, listen to my urgent prayers.
7Yahweh, the Lord, the strength that saves me, you have protected me in battle.
8Yahweh, do not grant the wicked what they want. Do not let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Pause.
9As for those who surround me, let the trouble their own words cause fall on them.
10Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into fire, into muddy pits, from which they never rise.
11Someone who speaks evil will not be successful on earth. Trouble will hunt down violent people to destroy them.
12I know that Yahweh will uphold the cause of the suffering and bring justice to the needy.
13Surely the righteous will thank your name. Honest people will live in your presence.