Revised Standard Version RSV
Good News Translation GNT
1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
1
Save me, Lord, from evildoers; keep me safe from violent people.
2 who plan evil things in their heart, and stir up wars continually.
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They are always plotting evil, always stirring up quarrels.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the poison of vipers. [Selah]
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Their tongues are like deadly snakes; their words are like a cobra's poison.
4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.
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Protect me, Lord, from the power of the wicked; keep me safe from violent people who plot my downfall.
5 Arrogant men have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net, by the wayside they have set snares for me. [Selah]
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The proud 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, Thou art my God; give ear to the voice of my supplications, O LORD!
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I say to the Lord, "You are my God." Hear my cry for help, Lord!
7 O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
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My Sovereign Lord, my strong defender, you have protected me in battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further his evil plot! [Selah]
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Lord, don't give the wicked what they want; don't let their plots succeed.
9 Those who surround me lift up their head, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
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Don't let my enemies be victorious; make their threats against me fall back on them.
10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into pits, no more to rise!
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May red-hot coals fall on them; may they be thrown into a pit and never get out.
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!
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May those who accuse others falsely not succeed; may evil overtake violent people and destroy them.
12 I know that the LORD maintains the cause of the afflicted, and executes justice for the needy.
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Lord, I know that you defend the cause of the poor and the rights of the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to thy name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
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The righteous will praise you indeed; they will live in your presence.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.