Psalms 140

¹ To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,

² who plan evil things in their heart, and stir up wars continually.

³ They make their tongue sharp as a serpents, and under their lips is the poison of vipers. [Selah]

⁴ Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.

⁵ Arrogant men have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net, by the wayside they have set snares for me. [Selah]

⁶ I say to the LORD, Thou art my God; give ear to the voice of my supplications, O LORD!

⁷ O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

⁸ Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further his evil plot! [Selah]

⁹ Those who surround me lift up their head, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

¹⁰ Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into pits, no more to rise!

¹¹ Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!

¹² I know that the LORD maintains the cause of the afflicted, and executes justice for the needy.

¹³ Surely the righteous shall give thanks to thy name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence.