Psalms 140

1 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:

Unto the end, a psalm for David. Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: rescue me from the unjust man.

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

Who have devised iniquities in their hearts: all the day long they designed battles.

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

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: the venom of saps is under their lips.

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

Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the wicked: and from unjust men deliver me. Who have proposed to supplant my steps.

5 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)

The proud have hidden a net for me. And they have stretched out cords for a snare: they have laid for me a stumblingblock by the wayside.

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

I said to the Lord: Thou art my God: hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication.

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

O Lord, Lord, the strength of my salvation: thou hast overshadowed my head in the day of battle.

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

Give me not up, O Lord, from my desire to the wicked: they have plotted against me; do not thou forsake me, lest they should triumph.

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

The head of them compassing me about: the labour of their lips shall overwhelm them.

10 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.

Burning coals shall fall upon them; thou wilt cast them down into the fire: in miseries they shall not be able to stand.

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

A man full of tongue shall not be established in the earth: evil shall catch the unjust man unto destruction.

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

I know that the Lord will do justice to the needy, and will revenge the poor.

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

But as for the just, they shall give glory to thy name: and the upright shall dwell with thy countenance.