Psalms 140

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

For the chief musician. A psalm of David. Yahweh, rescue me from the wicked; preserve me from violent men.

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

They plan evil in their hearts; they cause battles every day.

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

Their tongues wound like serpents; vipers' poison is on 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.

Keep me from the hands of the wicked, Yahweh; preserve me from violent men who plan to knock me over.

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 proud have set a trap for me; they have spread a net; they have set a snare for me. (Selah)

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

I said to Yahweh, “You are my God; listen to my cries for mercy.”

7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, who hast screened my head in the day of battle,

Yahweh, my Lord, you are powerfully able to save me; you shield my head in the day of battle.

8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; further not his evil device, so that they exalt themselves. (Selah)

Yahweh, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let their plots succeed. (Selah)

9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

Those who surround me raise their heads; let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

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 coals fall on them; throw them into the fire, into bottomless pits, never more to rise.

11 A slanderer shall not be established in the earth; the violent and evil man shall be hunted with thrust upon thrust.

May men of tongues not be made secure on the earth; may evil hunt down the violent man to strike him dead.

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the poor, and the right of the needy.

I know that Yahweh will judge in favor of the afflicted, and that he will give justice to the needy.

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

Surely the righteous people will give thanks to your name; the upright people will live in your presence.