Psalms 140

1 To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David. Deliuer me, O Lord, from the euill man: preserue me from the cruel man:

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. Deliver me, LORD, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men:

2 Which imagine euill things in their heart, and make warre continually.

those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.

3 They haue sharpened their tongues like a serpent: adders poyson is vnder their lips. (Selah)

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. (Selah)

4 Keepe mee, O Lord, from the handes of the wicked: preserue mee from the cruell man, which purposeth to cause my steppes to slide.

LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.

5 The proude haue layde a snare for me, and spred a nette with cordes in my pathway, and set grennes for me. (Selah)

The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. (Selah)

6 Therefore I saide vnto the Lord, Thou art my God: heare, O Lord, the voyce of my prayers.

I said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, LORD.

7 O Lord God the strength of my saluation, thou hast couered mine head in the day of battel.

LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Let not the wicked haue his desire, O Lord: performe not his wicked thought, least they be proude. (Selah)

LORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. (Selah)

9 As for the chiefe of them, that compasse me about, let the mischiefe of their owne lippes come vpon them.

As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10 Let coles fal vpon them: let him cast them into the fire, and into the deepe pits, that they rise not.

Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.

11 For the backbiter shall not be established vpon the earth: euill shall hunt the cruell man to destruction.

An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

12 I know that the Lord will auenge the afflicted, and iudge the poore.

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.

13 Surely the righteous shall prayse thy Name, and the iust shall dwell in thy presence.

Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.