1   
I call to you, Lord; help me now!
  Listen to me when I call to you.

2   
Receive my prayer as incense,
  my uplifted hands as an evening sacrifice. ^note

3   
Lord, place a guard at my mouth,
  a sentry at the door of my lips.

4   
Keep me from wanting to do wrong
  and from joining evil men in their wickedness.
May I never take part in their feasts.

5   
A good man may punish me and rebuke me in kindness,
  but I will never accept honor from evil men,
  because I am always praying against their evil deeds.

6   
When their rulers are thrown down from rocky cliffs,

  the people will admit that my words were true.

7   
Like wood that is split and chopped into bits,
  so their bones are scattered at the edge of the grave. ^note

8   
But I keep trusting in you, my Sovereign Lord.
  I seek your protection;
  don't let me die!

9   
Protect me from the traps they have set for me,
  from the snares of those evildoers.

10   
May the wicked fall into their own traps
  while I go by unharmed.

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