Psalm 140

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 Lord, save me from sinful men.

Keep me safe from those who want to hurt me.

2 They make evil plans in their hearts.

They are always starting fights.

3 Their tongues are as deadly as the tongue of a serpent.

The words from their lips are like the poison of a snake. Selah

4 Lord, keep me out of the hands of sinful people.

Keep me safe from men who want to hurt me.

They plan to trip me up and make me fall.

5 Proud people have hidden their traps to catch me.

They have spread out their nets.

They have set traps for me along my path. Selah

6 Lord, I say to you, “You are my God.”

Lord, hear my cry for your favor.

7 Lord and King, you save me because you are strong.

You are like a shield that keeps me safe in the day of battle.

8 Lord, don’t give sinners what they want.

Don’t let their plans succeed.

If you do, they will become proud. Selah

9 Those who are all around me have caused me trouble

by what their lips have said.

Let that trouble fall on their own heads.

10 Let burning coals fall on people like that.

May they be thrown into the fire.

May they be thrown into muddy pits and never get out.

11 Don’t let men who tell lies about me settle down in the land.

May trouble hunt down those who want to hurt me.

12 I know that the Lord makes sure that poor people are treated fairly.

He stands up for those who are in need.

13 I’m sure that those who do right will praise your name.

Those who are honest will live with you.