Psalms 140 · תהילים

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

who devise mischiefs in their heart; continually they stir up wars.

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; a spider’s venom is under their lips. (Sela.)

Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man: who have purposed to trip up my feet.

The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set traps for me. (Sela.)

I said to the Lord, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.

O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, Thou hast screened my head in the day of battle;

grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked man: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. (Sela.)

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

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

Let not a slanderer be established in the earth: let evil hunt the violent man to his overthrow.

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

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Thy name: the upright shall dwell in Thy presence.