¹⁸ But these people set an ambush for themselves;
    they are trying to get themselves killed.

¹⁶ The Lord is known for his justice.
    The wicked are trapped by their own deeds. Quiet Interlude^[a]

¹⁷ A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.
    Don’t protect him!

²² An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
    they are ropes that catch and hold him.
²³ He will die for lack of self-control;
    he will be lost because of his great foolishness.

²³ But you, O God, will send the wicked
    down to the pit of destruction.
Murderers and liars will die young,
    but I am trusting you to save me.

¹⁴ The wicked conceive evil;
    they are pregnant with trouble
    and give birth to lies.
¹⁵ They dig a deep pit to trap others,
    then fall into it themselves.
¹⁶ The trouble they make for others backfires on them.
    The violence they plan falls on their own heads.