< Psalms 141 >
1 A Psalm of David. LORD, I have called Thee; make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I call unto Thee.
A psalm of David. Lord, I call to you: hasten, to me, attend to my voice, when I call to you.
2 Let my prayer be set forth as incense before Thee, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Let my prayer be presented as incense before you, and my uplifted hands as the evening meal-offering.
3 Set a guard, O LORD, to my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.
Set, O Lord, a watch on my mouth, put a guard on the door of my lips.
4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to be occupied in deeds of wickedness with men that work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties.
Incline not my heart to an evil matter, to busy myself in deeds of wickedness, in company with workers of evil: never may I partake of their dainties.
5 Let the righteous smite me in kindness, and correct me; oil so choice let not my head refuse; for still is my prayer because of their wickedness.
A wound or reproof from a good person in kindness is oil which my head shall never refuse. In their misfortune my prayer is still with them.
6 Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock; and they shall hear my words, that they are sweet.
Abandoned they are to the hands of their judges: they shall learn that my words are true.
7 As when one cleaveth and breaketh up the earth, our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth. (Sheol )
Like stones on a country road cleft and broken so lie our bones scattered for Death to devour. (Sheol )
8 For mine eyes are unto Thee, O GOD the Lord; in Thee have I taken refuge, O pour not out my soul.
But my eyes are turned towards you, O Lord. Do not pour out my life, for in you I take refuge.
9 Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and from the gins of the workers of iniquity.
Keep me safe from the trap they have laid for me, from the snares of the workers of trouble.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst I withal escape.
Into their own nets let wicked people fall; while I pass by in safety.