For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.
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1Deliver me, Yahweh, from the evil man.
- Preserve me from the violent man;
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2those who devise mischief in their hearts.
- They continually gather themselves together for war.
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3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent.
- Viper’s poison is under their lips.
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4Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked.
- Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.
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5The proud have hidden a snare for me,
- they have spread the cords of a net by the path.
- They have set traps for me.
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6I said to Yahweh, “You are my God.”
- Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh.
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7Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
- you have covered my head in the day of battle.
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8Yahweh, don’t grant the desires of the wicked.
- Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud.
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9As for the head of those who surround me,
- let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
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10Let burning coals fall on them.
- Let them be thrown into the fire,
- into miry pits, from where they never rise.
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11An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth.
- Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
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12I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
- and justice for the needy.
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13Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name.
- The upright will dwell in your presence.