1   
Save me, Lord, from evil men;
  keep me safe from violent men.

2   
They are always plotting evil,
  always stirring up quarrels.

3   
Their tongues are like deadly snakes;
  their words are like a cobra's poison. ^note

4   
Protect me, Lord, from the power of the wicked;
  keep me safe from violent men
  who plot my downfall.

5   
Proud men have set a trap for me;
  they have laid their snares,
  and along the path they have set traps to catch me.

6   
I say to the Lord, “You are my God.”
  Hear my cry for help, Lord!

7   
My Sovereign Lord, my strong defender,
  you have protected me in battle.

8   
Lord, don't give the wicked what they want;
  don't let their plots succeed.

9   
Don't let my enemies be victorious; ^note
  make their threats against me fall back on them.

10   
May red-hot coals fall on them;
  may they be thrown into a pit and never get out.

11   
May those who accuse others falsely not succeed;
  may evil overtake violent men and destroy them.

12   
Lord, I know that you defend the cause of the poor
  and the rights of the needy.

13   
The righteous will praise you indeed;
  they will live in your presence.

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