Psalm 140

1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men;

Prayer for Deliverance from Evil MenTo the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Preserve me from violent men,

2 Who plan evil things in their hearts; They continually gather together for war.3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips. Selah4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, Who have purposed to make my steps stumble.5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set traps for me. Selah6 I said to the Lord: You are my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.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 further his wicked scheme, Lest they be exalted. Selah9  As for the head of those who surround me, Let the evil of their lips cover them;10 Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, Into deep pits, that they rise not up again.11 Let not a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him. 12 I know that the Lord will maintain The cause of the afflicted, And justice for the poor.13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.

PSALMS 140

A Prayer //for the [Lord]'s Help

1 Rescue me from cruel
and violent enemies, [Lord]!

2 They think up evil plans
and always cause trouble.

3  t Their words bite deep
like the poisonous fangs
of a snake.

4 Protect me, [Lord], from cruel
and brutal enemies,
who want to destroy me.

5 Those proud people have hidden
traps and nets
to catch me as I walk.

6 You, [Lord], are my God!
Please listen to my prayer.

7 You have the power to save me,
and you keep me safe
in every battle.

8 Don't let the wicked succeed
in doing what they want,
or else they might never
stop planning evil.

9 They have me surrounded,
but make them the victims
of their own vicious lies.t

10 Dump flaming coals on them
and throw them into pits
where they can't climb out.

11 Chase those cruel liars away!
Let trouble hunt them down.

12 Our [Lord], I know that you
defend the homeless
and see that the poor
are given justice.

13 Your people will praise you
and will live with you
because they do right.