Psalms 140

¹ For the leader. A psalm of David.

² Deliver me, LORD, from the wicked; preserve me from the violent,

³ From those who plan evil in their hearts, who stir up conflicts every day,

⁴ Who sharpen their tongues like serpents, venom of asps upon their lips. Selah

⁵ Keep me, LORD, from the clutches of the wicked; preserve me from the violent, who plot to trip me up.

⁶ The arrogant have set a trap for me; villains have spread a net, laid snares for me by the wayside. Selah

⁷ I say to the LORD: You are my God; listen, LORD, to the words of my prayer.

⁸ My revered LORD, my strong helper, my helmet on the day of battle.

⁹ LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let their plots succeed. Selah

¹⁰ Around me they raise their proud heads; may the mischief they threaten overwhelm them.

¹¹ May God rain burning coals upon them, cast them into the grave never more to rise.

¹² Slanderers will not survive on earth; evil will quickly entrap the violent.

¹³ For I know the LORD will secure justice for the needy, their rights for the poor.

¹⁴ Then the just will give thanks to your name; the upright will dwell in your presence.