Psalms
Psalms 140
For the end. A psalm by David.
1 Rescue me from an evil person, Lord; rescue me from an unjust man,
2 from those who devised injustice in their hearts and prepared wars all day.
3 They sharpened their tongues like a snake; asp venom is under their lips. Pause.
4 Guard me from a sinner’s hand, Lord; rescue me from unjust people who planned to trip my steps.
5 The arrogant hid a trap for me and stretched out ropes as snares for my feet; beside the path they placed a stumbling block for me. Pause.
6 I said to the Lord, “You are my God. Listen to the voice of my plea, Lord.”
7 Lord, Lord, strength of my rescue, you sheltered my head on the day of battle.
8 Do not hand me over to a sinner because of my desire, Lord. They plotted against me; do not abandon me, or they may be exalted. Pause.
9 As for the head of those who surround me, the labor of their lips will cover them.
10 Coals will fall upon them; you will cast them down in fire. They will not stand amid their misery.
11 A talkative man will not prosper on earth; evils will hunt an unjust man to destruction.
12 I know that the Lord will carry out judgment for the poor and justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name, and the upright will live in your presence.