Psalm 140

Psalm 140

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

1 O LORD, rescue me from evil people.
Protect me from those who are violent,2 those who plot evil in their hearts
and stir up trouble all day long.3 Their tongues sting like a snake;
the venom of a viper drips from their lips.
Interlude4 O LORD, keep me out of the hands of the wicked.
Protect me from those who are violent,
for they are plotting against me.5 The proud have set a trap to catch me;
they have stretched out a net;
they have placed traps all along the way.
Interlude6 I said to the LORD, “You are my God!”
Listen, O LORD, to my cries for mercy!7 O Sovereign LORD, the strong one who rescued me,
you protected me on the day of battle.8 LORD, do not let evil people have their way.
Do not let their evil schemes succeed,
or they will become proud.
Interlude9 Let my enemies be destroyed
by the very evil they have planned for me.10 Let burning coals fall down on their heads.
Let them be thrown into the fire
or into watery pits from which they can’t escape.11 Don’t let liars prosper here in our land.
Cause great disasters to fall on the violent.12 But I know the LORD will help those they persecute;
he will give justice to the poor.13 Surely righteous people are praising your name;
the godly will live 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.