Psalm 140

Psalm 140

Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

¹Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers;

protect me from those who are violent,^*

²who plan evil things in their minds

and stir up wars continually.^*

³They make their tongue sharp as a snake’s,

and under their lips is the venom of vipers.   Selah^*

⁴Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;

protect me from the violent

who have planned my downfall.^*

⁵The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,

and with cords they have spread a net,ⁱ

along the road they have set snares for me.   Selah^*

⁶I say to the Lord, “You are my God;

give ear, O Lord, to the voice of my supplications.”^*

⁷O Lord, my Lord, my strong deliverer,

you have covered my head in the day of battle.^*

⁸Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;

do not further their evil plot.^j   Selah^*

⁹Those who surround me lift up their heads;^k

let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!^*

¹⁰Let burning coals fall on them!

Let them be flung into pits, no more to rise!^*

¹¹Do not let the slanderer be established in the land;

let evil speedily hunt down the violent!^*

¹²I know that the Lord maintains the cause of the needy

and executes justice for the poor.^*

¹³Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;

the upright shall live in your presence.^*