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

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

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

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

Their tongues wound like serpents; vipers' poison 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Yahweh, my Lord, you are powerfully able to save me; 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)

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

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

Those who surround me raise their heads; 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 on them; throw them into the fire, into bottomless pits, never more to rise.

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

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 auenge the afflicted, and iudge the poore.

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

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