Psalms 140

1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,

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 who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.

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

3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips.

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

4 Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble.

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 hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me.

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 say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.

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

7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield 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 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted.

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 May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.

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

10 May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.

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 May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.

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 upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of 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 praise 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.