To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
[140:1] Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,
[140:2] who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.
[140:3] They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of asps.
[140:4] Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.
[140:5] The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me.
[140:6] I say to the Lord, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord!
[140:7] O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
[140:8] Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted!
[140:9] As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
[140:10] Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!
[140:11] Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!
[140:12] I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.
[140:13] Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.