Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Destroy, O lord - Swallow them up - confound them.
Divide their tongues - Let his counsellors give opposite advice. Let them never agree, and let their devices be confounded. And the prayer was heard. Hushai and Ahithophel gave opposite counsel. Absalom followed that of Hushai; and Ahithophel, knowing that the steps advised by Hushai would bring Absalom's affairs to ruin, went and hanged himself. See 2 Samuel 15, 16, and 17.
Violence and strife in the city - They have been concerting violent measures; and thus are full of contention.