Psalms 140

Psalm 140

Prayer for Protection against the Wicked.

1Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; Protect me from violent men.

2They devise evil things in their hearts; They continually [gather together and] stir up wars.

3They sharpen their tongues like a serpent’s; Poison of a viper is under their lips. Selah.

4Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Protect me from violent men Who intend to trip up my steps.

5The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set traps for me. Selah.

6I said to the Lord, “You are my God; Listen to the voice of my supplications, O Lord.

7O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.

8Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; Do not further their evil device, that they not be exalted. Selah.

9“Those who surround me raise their heads; May the mischief of their own lips come upon them.

10Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be thrown into the fire, Into deep [water] pits from which they cannot rise.

11Do not let a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil quickly hunt the violent man [to overthrow him and stop his evil acts].”

12I know [with confidence] that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, And [will secure] justice for the poor.

13Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name; The upright will dwell in Your presence.