Psalms 140

1 “To the chief musician, a psalm of David.” Deliver me, O Lord, from an evil man; from a man of violence do thou keep me;

“For the leader of the music. A psalm of David.” Deliver me, O LORD! from the evil man, Save me from the man of violence,

2 Who think over evil [resolves] in their heart, [who] every day are gathered together for war.

Who meditate mischief in their heart, And daily stir up war!

3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent: the poison of the adder is under their lips. (Selah)

They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of the adder is under their lips. (Pause)

4 Preserve me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked, from the man of violence do thou keep me, who think of overthrowing my steps.

Defend me, O LORD! from the hands of the wicked, Preserve me from the man of violence, Who have purposed to cause my fall! (Pause)

5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the side of [my] track; traps have they set for me. (Selah)

The proud have hidden snares and cords for me; They have spread a net by the way-side; They have set traps for me.

6 I have said unto the Lord, Thou art my God: give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications.

I say to Jehovah, Thou art my God; Hear, O Jehovah! the voice of my supplication!

7 O thou Eternal Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head on the day of battle.

The Lord Jehovah is my saving strength: Thou shelterest my head in the day of battle!

8 Grant not, O Lord, the longings of the wicked; suffer not his wicked device to succeed: lest they exalt themselves. (Selah)

Grant not, O LORD! the desires of the wicked; Let not their devices prosper; Let them not exalt themselves!

9 [As for] the heads of those that encompass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

As for the heads of those who encompass me, Let the mischief of their own lips cover them!

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

Let burning coals fall upon them; May they be cast into the fire, And into deep waters from which they shall not arise!

11 Let not the man of an [evil] tongue be established on the earth: may evil hunt down the violent man to his downfall.

The slanderer shall not be established upon the earth; Evil shall pursue the violent man to destruction.

12 I know that the Lord will procure right for the afflicted, [and] justice for the needy.

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And the right of the poor.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell before thy presence.

Yea, the righteous shall praise thy name; The upright shall dwell in thy presence!