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:

To the leader. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, Lord, from evil people; from the violent guard me

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

from those who plot evil in their heart, and stir up war continually:

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

who make their tongue as sharp as a serpent’s, and under whose lips is the poison of adders. (Selah)

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

Preserve me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked, from the violent guard me from those who are plotting to trip up my feet.

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 trap for me, cords they have spread as a net for my feet: snares they have set at the side of my track. (Selah)

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

I have said to the Lord, ‘My God are you; attend, Lord, to my loud plea.

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 my Lord, my saviour mighty, you did cover 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)

Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; and what they have purposed, promote you not.’ (Selah)

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

Let them not lift up their heads against me. May the mischief they prate bring themselves to destruction,

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.

may he rain upon them coals of fire, may he strike them down swiftly, to rise no more,

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

no place in the land may there be for the slanderer: may the violent be hunted from sorrow to sorrow.

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 right by the weak, and will execute justice for those who are needy.

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

Surely the righteous shall praise your name, and they who are upright shall live in your presence.