Psalms 140

1 To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David. Deliuer me, O Lord, from the euill man: preserue me from the cruel man:

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,

2 Which imagine euill things in their heart, and make warre continually.

who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.

3 They haue sharpened their tongues like a serpent: adders poyson is vnder their lips. (Selah)

They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips.

4 Keepe mee, O Lord, from the handes of the wicked: preserue mee from the cruell man, which purposeth to cause my steppes to slide.

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 proude haue layde a snare for me, and spred a nette with cordes in my pathway, and set grennes 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 Therefore I saide vnto the Lord, Thou art my God: heare, O Lord, the voyce of my prayers.

I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.

7 O Lord God the strength of my saluation, thou hast couered mine head in the day of battel.

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.

8 Let not the wicked haue his desire, O Lord: performe not his wicked thought, least they be proude. (Selah)

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted.

9 As for the chiefe of them, that compasse me about, let the mischiefe of their owne lippes come vpon them.

May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.

10 Let coles fal vpon them: let him cast them into the fire, and into the deepe pits, that they rise not.

May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.

11 For the backbiter shall not be established vpon the earth: euill shall hunt the cruell man to destruction.

May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.

12 I know that the Lord will auenge the afflicted, and iudge the poore.

I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy.

13 Surely the righteous shall prayse thy Name, and the iust shall dwell in thy presence.

Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.