Psalms 140

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, who hast screened my head in 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 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; further not his evil device, so that they exalt themselves. (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 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

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

10 Let burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up 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 A slanderer shall not be established in the earth; the violent and evil man shall be hunted with thrust upon thrust.

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 maintain the cause of the poor, and the right of the needy.

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

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