Psalm CHAPTER 140

1 Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men 2 Who devise evil things in their hearts; They continually * stir up wars. 3 They sharpen their tongues as a serpent; Poison of a viper is under their lips. Selah. 4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men Who have purposed to trip up my feet. 5 The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set snares for me. Selah. 6 I said to the LORD, “You are my God; Give ear, O LORD, to the voice of my supplications. 7 “O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. 8 “Do not grant, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; Do not promote his evil device, that they not be exalted. Selah. 9 “As for the head of those who surround me, May the mischief of their lips cover them. 10 “May burning coals fall upon them; May they be cast into the fire, Into deep pits from which they cannot rise. 11 “May a slanderer * not be established in the earth; May evil hunt the violent man speedily.” 12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted And justice for the poor. 13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name; The upright will dwell in Your presence.