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;

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

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

3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. (Selah)

Their tongues are as sharp as those of snakes; viper's venom is on 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.

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 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)

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 I said to the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

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

7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

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

8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. (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 head of those that surroundeth me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

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

10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not again.

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

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

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

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

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

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to thy name: the upright 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.