Psalms 140

1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

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 Who imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

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

3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under 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, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

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 hid a trap for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the way side; they have set snares 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 the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

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

7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered 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 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. (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 As for the head of those that surroundeth me, 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 upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not again.

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 Let not an evil speaker be established on the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

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 the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

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 shall give thanks to thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

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