Psalm 140 The psalmist prays for deliverance from powerful and unjust enemies

 Psalm 140

The psalmist prays for deliverance from powerful and unjust enemies

1 Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man; keep me from the violent man.

2 They devise evil in their hearts; they continually gather for war.

3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips.

4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hand of the wicked; keep me from the violent man, who have planned to turn my steps aside.

5 The proud have hid snares and cords for me; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set a trap for me.

6 I said to the Lord, "You are my God; hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord."

7 Lord God, 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 let their evil plans proceed, lest they exalt themselves.

9 As for those who surround me and lift up their heads, let the evil of their lips cover them.

10 Let burning coals fall upon them; let them be thrown into the fire, into deep pits, so that they rise no more.

11 A man with a malicious tongue will not stand firm in the earth; evil will pursue the violent man until he is driven out.

12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the oppressed, and the justice of the needy.

13 So the righteous will praise your name; the upright will dwell in your presence.