Psalms 140

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

To the chief music-maker. A Psalm. Of David. O Lord, take me out of the power of the evil man; keep me safe from the violent man:

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

For their hearts are full of evil designs; and they are ever making ready causes of war.

3 Their tongues wound like serpents; vipers' poison is on their lips. (Selah)

Their tongues are sharp like the tongue of a snake; the poison of snakes is under their lips. (Selah)

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

O Lord, take me out of the hands of sinners; keep me safe from the violent man: for they are designing my downfall.

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

The men of pride have put secret cords for my feet; stretching nets in my way, so that they may take me with their tricks. (Selah)

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

I have said to the Lord, You are my God: give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my prayer.

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

O Lord God, the strength of my salvation, you have been a cover over my head in the day of the fight.

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

O Lord, give not the wrongdoer his desire; give him no help in his evil designs, or he may be uplifted in pride. (Selah)

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

As for those who come round me, let their heads be covered by the evil of their lips.

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

Let burning flames come down on them: let them be put into the fire, and into deep waters, so that they may not get up again.

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

Let not a man of evil tongue be safe on earth: let destruction overtake the violent man with blow on blow.

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

I am certain that the Lord will take care of the cause of the poor, and of the rights of those who are troubled.

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

Truly, the upright will give praise to your name: the holy will have a place in your house.