Psalms 140

1 For the Leader. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man; preserve me from the violent man;

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,

2 Who devise evil things in their heart; every day do they stir up wars.

who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.

3 They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent; vipers' venom is under their lips. (Selah)

They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips.

4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to make my steps slip.

Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble.

5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. (Selah)

The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me.

6 I have said unto the LORD: 'Thou art my God'; give ear, O LORD, unto the voice of my supplications.

I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.

7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, who hast screened my head in the day of battle,

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.

8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; further not his evil device, so that they exalt themselves. (Selah)

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted.

9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.

10 Let burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.

11 A slanderer shall not be established in the earth; the violent and evil man shall be hunted with thrust upon thrust.

May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the poor, and the right of the needy.

I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name; the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.

Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.