Psalm 140
For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.
1 Deliver me,
LORD, from evil men.
Preserve me from violent men:
2 those
who devise mischief
in their hearts.
They continually gather
themselves together for war.
3 They
have sharpened their tongues
like a serpent.
Viper’s poison is under
their lips.
Selah.
4 LORD, keep
me from the hands
of the wicked.
Preserve me from
the violent men who have determined
to trip my feet.
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.
6 I said
to the LORD, “You
are my God.”
Listen to the cry
of my petitions,
LORD.
7 LORD,
the Lord,
the strength of
my salvation,
you have covered
my head in the day
of battle.
8 LORD, don’t
grant the desires of
the wicked.
Don’t let their evil plans succeed,
or they will become
proud.
Selah.
9 As
for the head
of those who surround
me,
let the mischief
of their own lips cover
them.
10 Let burning coals fall
on them.
Let them be thrown into the fire,
into miry pits, from where they never rise.
11 An evil
speaker won’t be established
in the earth.
Evil will hunt the violent
man to overthrow
him.
12 I know
that the LORD
will maintain
the cause of
the afflicted,
and justice for
the needy.
13 Surely
the righteous will
give thanks to
your name.
The upright will dwell
in your presence.