Psalms 140

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

1 Free me, O Jehovah, from the evil man; preserve me from the violent man:

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

2 Who devise mischiefs in [their] heart; every day are they banded together for war.

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

3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison 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.

4 Keep me, O Jehovah, from the hands of the wicked [man], preserve me from the violent man, who devise to overthrow my steps.

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:

5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the way-side; they have set traps for me. Selah.

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

6 I have said unto Jehovah, Thou art myGod: give ear, O Jehovah, to the voice of my supplications.

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

7 Jehovah, the Lord, is the strength of my salvation: thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

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

8 Grant not, O Jehovah, the desire of the wicked; further not his device: they would exalt themselves. Selah.

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

9 [As for] the head of those that encompass me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

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

10 Let burning coals fall on them; let them be cast into the fire; into deep waters, that they rise not up again.

11(not in this translation)

11 Let not the man of [evil] tongue be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the man of violence to [his] ruin.

12(not in this translation)

12 I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted one, the right of the needy.

13(not in this translation)

13 Yea, the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence.