Guard Me From Violent People

Verses 1–11 · hunted by violent schemers

1. ^{verse 1}Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,
2. ^{verse 2}who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.
3. ^{verse 3}They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah
4. ^{verse 4}Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble.
5. ^{verse 5}The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah
6. ^{verse 6}I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.
7. ^{verse 7}O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.
8. ^{verse 8}Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah
9. ^{verse 9}May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.
10. ^{verse 10}May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.
11. ^{verse 11}May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.

Verses 12–13 · confidence in God's justice for the afflicted

1. ^{verse 12}I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.
2. ^{verse 13}Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.