Psalms 140

1 For the music director. A psalm of David. Lord, please save me from those who do evil; protect me especially from those who are violent!

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 Their minds are busy plotting evil things, stirring up trouble all day long.

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

3 Their tongues are as sharp as those of snakes; viper's venom is on their lips. (Selah)

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

4 Lord, please keep me from falling into the hands of the wicked; protect me especially from those who are violent, who are plotting my downfall.

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

5 Proud people have hidden a trap for me—they have strung out a net on the path, they have set snares to catch me. (Selah)

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 told the Lord, “You are my God! Lord, please listen to my cries for help!”

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

7 Lord God, my powerful Savior, you covered my head like a helmet on 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 God, don't allow the wicked to get what they want—don't let them be successful in what they plan so they don't become proud. (Selah)

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 harm spoken against me by those who surround me fall back on them,

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

10 Let burning coals rain down on them! Let them be thrown into the fire, or into bottomless 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 Don't let people who slander others live in our land. May disaster strike down violent people.

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

12 Yet I know the Lord defends the rights of those who are persecuted, and gives justice to 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 Truly those who live right are thankful for the kind of person you are, and those who are honest will live in your presence.

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