1 To the Chief Musician. Do not destroy. A secret treasure of David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; defend me from those who rise up against me.

2 Deliver me from the workers of evil and save me from bloody men.

3 For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul; the mighty are gathered against me; not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD.

4 Without [my] fault they run and prepare themselves; awaken to help me, and look [on me].

5 And You, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the nations; do not be merciful to any plotting evil. Selah.

6 They return at evening; they make a noise like a dog, and go around the city.

7 Behold, they bellow out with their mouth; swords [are] in their lips; for [they say], Who hears?

8 But You, O Jehovah, shall laugh at them; You will mock at all the nations.

9 O my Strength, let me look to You, for God [is] my strong tower.

10 The God of my mercy shall go before me; God shall let me see [my desire] on my enemies.

11 Do not kill them, lest my people forget; scatter them by Your power and bring them down, O LORD our shield.

12 [For] the sin of their mouth [is] the word of their lips, even let them be taken in their pride; and for cursing and the lying [which] they speak.

13 Consume [them] in wrath; consume, so that they may not be; and let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah.

14 And at evening they shall return; let them howl like a dog, and go around the city.

15 Let them wander up and down for food, and growl if they are not satisfied.

16 But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; for You have been my strong tower and hiding-place in the day of my trouble.

17 To You, O my strength, I will sing; for God [is] my strong tower [and] the God of my mercy.