To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

8,6,8,6

^1Lord, from the ill and froward man

give me deliverance,

And do thou safe preserve me from

the man of violence:

^2Who in their heart mischievous things

are meditating ever;

And they for war assembled are

continually together.

^3Much like unto a serpent's tongue

their tongues they sharp do make;

And underneath their lips there lies

the poison of a snake.

^4Lord, keep me from the wicked's hands,

from vi'lent men me save;

Who utterly to overthrow

my goings purpos'd have.

^5The proud for me a snare have hid,

and cords; yea, they a net

Have by the way-side for me spread;

they gins for me have set.

^6I said unto the Lord, Thou art

my God: unto the cry

Of all my supplications,

Lord, do thine ear apply.

^7O God the Lord, who art the strength

of my salvation:

A cov'ring in the day of war

my head thou hast put on.

^8Unto the wicked man, O Lord,

his wishes do not grant;

Nor further thou his ill device,

lest they themselves should vaunt.

^9As for the head and chief of those

about that compass me,

Ev'n by the mischief of their lips

let thou them cover'd be.

^10Let burning coals upon them fall,

them throw in fiery flame,

And in deep pits, that they no more

may rise out of the same.

^11Let not an evil speaker be

on earth established:

Mischief shall hunt the vi'lent man,

till he be ruined.

^12I know God will th' afflicted's cause

maintain, and poor men's right.

^13Surely the just shall praise thy name;

th' upright dwell in thy sight.