1 PSALM 140 Prayer for Protection against the Wicked. To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O L, from evil men;Protect me from violent men.
2 They devise evil things in their hearts;They continually [gather together and] stir up wars.
3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent’s;Poison of a viper is under their lips. Selah.
4 Keep me, O L, from the hands of the wicked;Protect me from violent menWho intend to trip up my steps.
5 The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords;They have spread a net by the wayside;They have set traps for me. Selah.
6 I said to the L, “You are my God;Listen to the voice of my supplications, O L.
7 O Gthe Lord, the strength of my salvation,You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Do not grant, O L, 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.
10 Let burning coals fall upon them;Let them be thrown into the fire,Into deep [water] pits from which they cannot rise.
11 Do not let a slanderer be established in the earth;Let evil quickly hunt the violent man [to overthrow him and stop his evil acts].”
12 I know [with confidence] that the Lwill maintain the cause of the afflicted,And [will secure] justice for the poor.
13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name;The upright will dwell in Your presence.