Psalms 140

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

1Deliver me, O Lord, 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.

2Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

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

3They have sharpened 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.

4Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

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 proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

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

6I said unto the Lord, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.

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

7O God the Lord, 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.

8Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.

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

9As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

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

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

11(not in this translation)

11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

12(not in this translation)

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

13(not in this translation)

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