1 Lord, save me from malicious men,
such as injurious are;
2 Who mischief in their hearts contrive,
and daily meet for war.
3 Like serpents they make sharp their tongues
for piercing calumnies;
Conciev'd beneath their guileful lips
the adder's poison lies.
4 LORD, keep me from ungodly hands,
from vi'lent men me save;
Who to o'erthrow me in my steps
a wicked purpose have.
5 The proud for me have hid their snares,
and cords to draw their net,
Which they have spread across my paths
and traps for me have set.
6 O LORD, Thou art my God, I cry'd;
whom I love, chuse and fear;
O to my supplications voice,
LORD, give a gracious ear.
7 O Lord JEHOVAH, thou the strength
of my salvation wast;
And in the day of battle Thou
my head safe cov'red hast.
[2 Part]
8 Grant not, O LORD, what wicked men
desire unrighteously;
Nor further Thou their ill designs,
lest they triumph on high.
9 But for the leading heads of those
who round encompass me;
Ev'n with the mischief of their lips
they quite shall cover'd be.
10 On them shall burning coals be cast;
and He will make them fall,
Into deep pits and glowing fire,
to rise no more at all.
11 The man of evil tongue shall not
at peace on earth arrive:
Evil shall chase the violent
and to destruction drive.
12 The LORD, I know, for the oppress'd
and poor will judgment give.
13 Surely the just shall priase thy naem,
and in thy presence live.
Source: The Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Old and New Testament, faithfully translated into English Metre: being the New-England Psalm-Book, revised and improved... (2nd ed.) #PCXL