Psalms 140

1For the end, a Psalm of David. Rescue me, O Lord, from the evil man; deliver me from the unjust man.

2Who have devised injustice in their hearts; all the day they prepared war.

3They have sharpened their tongue as [the tongue] of a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips. Pause.

4Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the sinner; rescue me from unjust men; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

5The proud have hid a snare for me, and have stretched out ropes [for] snares for my feet; they set a stumbling-block for me near the path. Pause.

6I said to the Lord, Thou art my God; hearken, O Lord, to the voice of my supplication.

7O Lord God, the strength of my salvation; thou hast screened my head in the day of battle.

8Deliver me not, O Lord, to the sinner, according to my desire: they have devised [mischief] against me; forsake me not, lest they should be exalted. Pause.

9[As for] the head of them that compass me, the mischief of their lips shall cover them.

10Coals of fire shall fall upon them on the earth; and thou shalt cast them down in afflictions: they shall not bear up [under them].

11A talkative man shall not prosper on the earth: evils shall hunt the unrighteous man to destruction.

12I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the poor, and the right of the needy ones.

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