Psalms 140
1 For the chief musician. A psalm of David. Yahweh, rescue me from the wicked; preserve me from violent men.
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,
2 They plan evil in their hearts; they cause battles every day.
who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.
3 Their tongues wound like serpents; vipers' poison is on their lips. (Selah)
They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips.
4 Keep me from the hands of the wicked, Yahweh; preserve me from violent men who plan to knock me over.
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 set a trap for me; they have spread a net; they have set a snare 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 said to Yahweh, “You are my God; listen to my cries for mercy.”
I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.
7 Yahweh, my Lord, you are powerfully able to save me; you shield 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 Yahweh, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let their plots succeed. (Selah)
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted.
9 Those who surround me raise their heads; 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 on them; throw them into the fire, into bottomless pits, never more to rise.
May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.
11 May men of tongues not be made secure on the earth; may evil hunt down the violent man to strike him dead.
May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.
12 I know that Yahweh will judge in favor of the afflicted, and that he will give justice to the needy.
I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.
13 Surely the righteous people will give thanks to your name; the upright people will live in your presence.
Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.
