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 leader of the music. A psalm of David.” Deliver me, O LORD! from the evil man, Save me from the man of violence,

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

Who meditate mischief in their heart, And daily stir up war!

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

They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of the adder is under their lips. (Pause)

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.

Defend me, O LORD! from the hands of the wicked, Preserve me from the man of violence, Who have purposed to cause my fall! (Pause)

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 have hidden snares and cords for me; They have spread a net by the way-side; They have set traps for me.

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

I say to Jehovah, Thou art my God; Hear, O Jehovah! the voice of my supplication!

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

The Lord Jehovah is my saving strength: Thou shelterest 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; Let not their devices prosper; Let them not exalt themselves!

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

As for the heads of those who encompass me, Let the mischief of their own lips cover 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 fall upon them; May they be cast into the fire, And into deep waters from which they shall not arise!

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

The slanderer shall not be established upon the earth; Evil shall pursue the violent man to destruction.

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

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And the right of the poor.

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

Yea, the righteous shall praise thy name; The upright shall dwell in thy presence!