Psalm 140

For the chief musician. A psalm of David.

1Yahweh, rescue me from the wicked;

preserve me from violent men.

2They plan evil in their hearts;

they cause battles every day.

3Their tongues wound like serpents;

vipers' poison is on their lips. Selah

4Keep me from the hands of the wicked, Yahweh;

preserve me from violent men

who plan to knock me over.

5The proud have set a trap for me;

they have spread a net;

they have set a snare for me. Selah

6I said to Yahweh, “You are my God;

listen to my cries for mercy.”

7Yahweh, my Lord, you are powerfully able to save me;

you shield my head in the day of battle.

8Yahweh, do not grant the desires of the wicked;

do not let their plots succeed. Selah

9Those who surround me raise their heads;

let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10Let burning coals fall on them;

throw them into the fire,

into bottomless pits, never more to rise.

11May men of tongues not be made secure on the earth;

may evil hunt down the violent man to strike him dead.

12I know that Yahweh will judge in favor of the afflicted,

and that he will give justice to the needy.

13Surely the righteous people will give thanks to your name;

the upright people will live in your presence.