Psalms 140

1 Unto the end. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O Lord, from the evil man. Rescue me from the iniquitous leader.

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 have devised iniquities in their hearts: all day long they constructed conflicts.

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. The venom of asps is under their lips.

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

4 Preserve me, O Lord, from the hand of the sinner, and rescue me from men of iniquity. They have decided to supplant my steps.

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 arrogant have hidden a snare for me. And they have stretched out cords for a snare. They have placed a stumbling block for me near the road.

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. O Lord, heed the voice of my supplication.

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

7 Lord, O Lord, the strength of my salvation: you have overshadowed my head in the day of war.

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

8 O Lord, do not hand me over to the sinner by my desire. They have plotted against me. Do not abandon me, lest they should triumph.

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 The head of those who encompass me, the labor of their lips, will overwhelm them.

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

10 Burning coals will fall upon them. You will cast them down into the fire, into miseries that they will not be able to withstand.

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 A talkative man will not be guided aright upon the earth. Evils will drag the unjust man unto utter ruin.

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 accomplish justice for the needy and vindication for the poor.

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 So then, truly, the just will confess your name, and the upright will dwell with your countenance.

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