1 Lord, from the ill and froward man
give me deliverance,
and do thou safe preserve me from
the man of violence:
2 who in their heart things mischievous
do meditate away:
and they for war together are
assembled every day.
3 Even like unto a serpent’s tongue
their tongues they sharp do make;
and underneath their lips there lies
the poison of a snake.
4 Lord, keep me from the wicked’s hands,
from violent men me save;
who utterly to overthrow
my goings purposed have.
5 The proud have hid a snare and cords,
for me have spread a net;
close by the path they have it spread;
and gins for me have set.
6 Then to the Lord thus did I say,
My God art thou, O Lord;
then hear my supplication's voice,
and help to me afford.
7 Jehovah, Lord, thou who the strength
of my salvation art,
thou to my head in day of war
protection dost impart.
8 Unto the wicked man, O Lord,
his wishes do not grant;
nor further thou his ill device,
lest they themselves should vaunt.
9 As for the head of those that do
about encompass me,
even by the mischief of their lips
let thou them covered be.
10 Let burning coals upon them fall,
them cast into the flame,
and pits so deep, that they no more
may rise out of the same.
11 A man of evil tongue shall not
on earth established be:
mischief shall hunt the violent
and waste him utterly.
12 The Lord, I know, will judge the poor,
maintain the afflicted's right.
13 The righteous shall extol thy name:
the just dwell in thy sight.