Psalmorum 140

1 In finem. Psalmus David. [Eripe me, Domine, ab homine malo; a viro iniquo eripe me.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. Deliver me, LORD, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men:

2 Qui cogitaverunt iniquitates in corde, tota die constituebant prælia.

those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.

3 Acuerunt linguas suas sicut serpentis; venenum aspidum sub labiis eorum.

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. (Selah)

4 Custodi me, Domine, de manu peccatoris, et ab hominibus iniquis eripe me. Qui cogitaverunt supplantare gressus meos:

LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.

5 absconderunt superbi laqueum mihi. Et funes extenderunt in laqueum; juxta iter, scandalum posuerunt mihi.

The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. (Selah)

6 Dixi Domino: Deus meus es tu; exaudi, Domine, vocem deprecationis meæ.

I said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, LORD.

7 Domine, Domine, virtus salutis meæ, obumbrasti super caput meum in die belli.

LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Ne tradas me, Domine, a desiderio meo peccatori: cogitaverunt contra me; ne derelinquas me, ne forte exaltentur.

LORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. (Selah)

9 Caput circuitus eorum: labor labiorum ipsorum operiet eos.

As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10 Cadent super eos carbones; in ignem dejicies eos: in miseriis non subsistent.

Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.

11 Vir linguosus non dirigetur in terra; virum injustum mala capient in interitu.

An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

12 Cognovi quia faciet Dominus judicium inopis, et vindictam pauperum.

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.

13 Verumtamen justi confitebuntur nomini tuo, et habitabunt recti cum vultu tuo.]

Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.