Psalms 140

1 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. Deliver me, Yahweh, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men:

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 those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves 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. Viper’s poison is under their lips. (Selah)

Their tongues are as sharp as those of snakes; viper's venom is on their lips. (Selah)

4 Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.

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 hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps 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 Yahweh, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh.

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

7 Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have 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 Yahweh, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. (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 who surround 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 on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.

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

11 An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will 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 Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.

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

13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your 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.