New American Standard Bible

Psalm 140

Prayer for Protection against the Wicked.

For the choir director. A Psalm of David.

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.