Psalms 140

1 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. Deliver me, LORD, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men:

To the chief music-maker. A Psalm. Of David. O Lord, take me out of the power of the evil man; keep me safe from the violent man:

2 those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.

For their hearts are full of evil designs; and they are ever making ready causes of war.

3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. (Selah)

Their tongues are sharp like the tongue of a snake; the poison of snakes is under their lips. (Selah)

4 LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.

O Lord, take me out of the hands of sinners; keep me safe from the violent man: for they are designing my downfall.

5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. (Selah)

The men of pride have put secret cords for my feet; stretching nets in my way, so that they may take me with their tricks. (Selah)

6 I said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, LORD.

I have said to the Lord, You are my God: give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my prayer.

7 LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

O Lord God, the strength of my salvation, you have been a cover over my head in the day of the fight.

8 LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked. Do not let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. (Selah)

O Lord, give not the wrongdoer his desire; give him no help in his evil designs, or he may be uplifted in pride. (Selah)

9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

As for those who come round me, let their heads be covered by the evil of their lips.

10 Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.

Let burning flames come down on them: let them be put into the fire, and into deep waters, so that they may not get up again.

11 An evil speaker will not be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

Let not a man of evil tongue be safe on earth: let destruction overtake the violent man with blow on blow.

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.

I am certain that the Lord will take care of the cause of the poor, and of the rights of those who are troubled.

13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.

Truly, the upright will give praise to your name: the holy will have a place in your house.