Psalm 140

Prayer for Rescue

For the choir director. A psalm of David.

1   Rescue me, LORD, from evil men.

Keep me safe from violent men b

2   who plan evil in their hearts.

They stir up wars all day long. c

3   They make their tongues

as sharp as a snake’s bite;

viper’s venom is under their lips. d    Selah

4   Protect me, LORD,

from the power of the wicked. e

Keep me safe from violent men

who plan to make me stumble. Y,f

5   The proud hide a trap with ropes for me;

they spread a net along the path

and set snares for me. g    Selah

6   I say to the LORD, “You are my God.”

Listen, LORD, to my cry for help. h

7   LORD, my Lord, my strong Savior,

you shield my head on the day of battle. i

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

do not let them achieve their goals.

Otherwise, they will become proud. j    Selah

9   When those who surround me rise up, Z

may the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them. k

10   Let hot coals fall on them.

Let them be thrown into the fire,

into the abyss, never again to rise. l

11   Do not let a slanderer stay in the land.

Let evil relentlessly A hunt down a violent man. m

12   I B know that the LORD upholds

the just cause of the poor,

justice for the needy. n

13   Surely the righteous will praise your name;

the upright will live in your presence. o