Chapter 140

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart; continually are they gathered together [for] war.

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison [is] under their lips. Selah.

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

I said unto 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 covered my head in the day of battle.

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; [lest] they exalt themselves. Selah.

[As for] the head of those that 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, that they rise not up again.

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor.

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.