Psalms 140

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

For the Leader. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man; preserve me from the violent man;

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

Who devise evil things in their heart; every day do they stir up wars.

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

They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent; vipers' venom 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.

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to make my steps slip.

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 proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. (Selah)

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

I have said unto the LORD: 'Thou art my God'; give ear, O LORD, unto the voice of my supplications.

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

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, who hast screened my head in the day of battle,

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

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; further not his evil device, so that they exalt themselves. (Selah)

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

As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

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

Let burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

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

A slanderer shall not be established in the earth; the violent and evil man shall be hunted with thrust upon thrust.

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

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the poor, and the right of the needy.

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

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name; the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.