Psalm 140

¹ Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men;
preserve me from violent men,

² who plan evil things in their heart
and stir up wars continually.

³ They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's,
and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah

⁴ Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;
preserve me from violent men,
who have planned to trip up my feet.

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. Selah

⁶ I say to the LORD, You are my God;
give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!

⁷ O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,
you have covered my head in the day of battle.

⁸ Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah

⁹ As for the head of those who surround me,
let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

¹⁰ Let burning coals fall upon them!
Let them be cast into fire,
into miry pits, no more to rise!

¹¹ Let not the slanderer be established in the land;
let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!

¹² I know that the LORD will maintain
the cause of the afflicted,
and will execute justice for the needy.

¹³ Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;
the upright shall dwell in your presence.