Psalm 140

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

1Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;footnote a

2Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.

4Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

6I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.footnote b

9As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.footnote c

12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

13Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Rescue Me from Evil Men

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men.Protect me from men of violence, 2who devise evil in their heartsand stir up war all day long. 3They sharpen their tongues like snakes;the venom of vipers is on their lips.footnote aSelah 4Guard me, O LORD,from the hands of the wicked.Keep me safe from men of violencewho scheme to make me stumble. 5The proud hide a snare for me;the cords of their net are spread along the path,and lures are set out for me.Selah 6I say to the LORD, “You are my God.”Hear, O LORD, my cry for help. 7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation,You shield my head in the day of battle. 8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;do not promote their evil plans,lest they be exalted.Selah 9May the heads of those who surround mebe covered in the trouble their lips have caused. 10May burning coals fall on them;may they be thrown into the fire,into the miry pits, never to rise again. 11May no slanderer be established in the land;may calamity hunt down the man of violence.

12I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poorand defends the cause of the needy. 13Surely the righteous will praise Your name;the upright will dwell in Your presence.