Psalm 140

For the choir director. A psalm of David.

1Rescue me, Yahweh, from evil people; protect me from the violent,

2who plan evil things in their hearts and stir up wars every day.

3They make their tongues as sharp as a snake’s; the venom of vipers is under their lips. Selah.

4Guard me, Yahweh, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who plan to trip up my feet.

5The proud have hidden a trap for me; they have spread out the cords of a net beside the path; they have set snares for me. Selah.

6I said to Yahweh, “You are my God.” Listen, Yahweh, to the sound of my pleas for mercy.

7Yahweh, my Lord, my strong salvation, you have shielded my head on the day of battle.

8Do not grant, Yahweh, the desires of the wicked; do not let their plot succeed, or they will exalt themselves. Selah.

9As for the heads of those who surround me, may the trouble their own lips have spoken cover them.

10May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into deep pits, never to rise again.

11Do not let slanderers be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent and drive them down.

12I know that Yahweh will uphold the cause of the afflicted and justice for the needy.

13Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name; the upright will live in your presence.