Psalms

Psalm 140

1 DELIVER me, O LORD, from the evil man; preserve me from violent men,

2 Who devise mischiefs in their heart; continually do they stir up contention.

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

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

5 The proud have hid a snare for me; the cords of their net have they spread over my paths; they have set a trap for me.

6 I said to the LORD, Thou art my God; hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

7 O LORD, my mighty Saviour, thou art the shield of my head in the day of battle.

8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; further not their wicked devices; let them not accomplish their purpose.

9 Let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10 Let burning coals fall upon them; let them fall into the fire, that they rise not up again.

11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth; evil shall hunt the violent man to destroy him.

12 I know that the LORD will defend the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor.

13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to thy name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence.