1To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, (Ps 18:48; Ps 71:4; Ps 119:153; Ps 119:170; Pr 3:31)2who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. (Ps 56:6)3They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of asps. (Ps 10:7; Ps 52:2; Ps 58:4; Ro 3:13)4Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. (Ps 140:1)5The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net;[1] beside the way they have set snares for me. (Job 18:8; Ps 35:7; Ps 64:5; Ps 141:9; Ps 142:3; Jer 18:22)6I say to the Lord, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord! (Ps 28:2; Ps 31:22; Ps 130:2; Ps 142:5)7O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. (Ps 28:8)8Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their[2] evil plot, or they will be exalted! (Ps 35:25; Isa 14:21)9As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! (Ps 7:16; Pr 12:13; Pr 18:7)10Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise! (Ps 11:6; Ps 18:13)11Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!12I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. (1Ki 8:45; 1Ki 8:49; 1Ki 8:59; Ps 9:4)13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence. (Ps 11:7; Ps 64:10)