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 music director. A psalm of David. Lord, please save me from those who do evil; protect me especially from those who are violent!

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

Their minds are busy plotting evil things, stirring up trouble all day long.

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

Their tongues are as sharp as those of snakes; viper's venom is on their lips. (Selah)

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.

Lord, please keep me from falling into the hands of the wicked; protect me especially from those who are violent, who are plotting my downfall.

5 The proude haue layde a snare for me, and spred a nette with cordes in my pathway, and set grennes for me. (Selah)

Proud people have hidden a trap for me—they have strung out a net on the path, they have set snares to catch me. (Selah)

6 Therefore I saide vnto the Lord, Thou art my God: heare, O Lord, the voyce of my prayers.

I told the Lord, “You are my God! Lord, please listen to my cries for help!”

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

Lord God, my powerful Savior, you covered my head like a helmet on the day of battle.

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

God, don't allow the wicked to get what they want—don't let them be successful in what they plan so they don't become proud. (Selah)

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

May the harm spoken against me by those who surround me fall back on them,

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

Let burning coals rain down on them! Let them be thrown into the fire, or into bottomless pits, never to rise again.

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

Don't let people who slander others live in our land. May disaster strike down violent people.

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

Yet I know the Lord defends the rights of those who are persecuted, and gives justice to the poor.

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

Truly those who live right are thankful for the kind of person you are, and those who are honest will live in your presence.