Psalms 140

1I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when I cry to thee.

1 O Lord, take me out of the power of the evil man; keep me safe from the violent man:

2Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight; the lifting up of my hands, as evening sacrifice.

2For their hearts are full of evil designs; and they are ever making ready causes of war.

3Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: and a door round about my lips.

3Their tongues are sharp like the tongue of a snake; the poison of snakes is under their lips. (Selah.)

4Incline not my heart to evil words; to make excuses in sins. With men that work iniquity: and I will not communicate with the choicest of them.

4O Lord, take me out of the hands of sinners; keep me safe from the violent man: for they are designing my downfall.

5The just man shall correct me in mercy, and shall reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner fatten my head. For my prayer shall still be against the things with which they are well pleased:

5The men of pride have put secret cords for my feet; stretching nets in my way, so that they may take me with their tricks. (Selah.)

6Their judges falling upon the rock have been swallowed up. They shall hear my words, for they have prevailed:

6I have said to the Lord, You are my God: give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my prayer.

7As when the thickness of the earth is broken up upon the ground: Our bones are scattered by the side of hell.

7O Lord God, the strength of my salvation, you have been a cover over my head in the day of the fight.

8But to thee, O Lord, Lord, are my eyes: in thee have I put my trust, take not away my soul.

8O Lord, give not the wrongdoer his desire; give him no help in his evil designs, or he may be uplifted in pride. (Selah.)

9Keep me from the snare, which they have laid for me, and from the stumblingblocks of them that work iniquity.

9As for those who come round me, let their heads be covered by the evil of their lips.

10The wicked shall fall in his net: I am alone until I pass.

10Let burning flames come down on them: let them be put into the fire, and into deep waters, so that they may not get up again.

11(not in this translation)

11Let not a man of evil tongue be safe on earth: let destruction overtake the violent man with blow on blow.

12(not in this translation)

12I am certain that the Lord will take care of the cause of the poor, and of the rights of those who are troubled.

13(not in this translation)

13Truly, the upright will give praise to your name: the holy will have a place in your house.