Psalms 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  * 140:1 Ps 18:48; 71:4

2 who plan evil in their hearts.

They stir up wars all day long.  * 140:2 Ps 36:4; 56:6; Pr 6:14

3 They make their tongues

as sharp as a snake’s bite;

viper’s venom is under their lips.  * 140:3 Ps 58:4; Rm 3:13; Jms 3:8Selah

4 Protect me, Lord,

from the power of the wicked.  * 140:4 Ps 71:4

Keep me safe from violent men

who plan to make me stumble.  * 140:4 Lit to trip up my steps,* 140:4 Ps 36:11

5 The proud hide a trap with ropes for me;

they spread a net along the path

and set snares for me.  * 140:5 Ps 35:7; 141:9; 142:3Selah

6 I say to the Lord, "You are my God."

Listen, Lord, to my cry for help.  * 140:6 Ps 31:14; 130:2

7 Lord, my Lord, my strong Savior,

you shield my head on the day of battle.  * 140:7 Ps 28:8; 118:14

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

do not let them achieve their goals.

Otherwise, they will become proud.  * 140:8 Ps 10:2–3Selah

9 When those who surround me rise up,  * 140:9 Lit Head of those who surround me

may the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them.  * 140:9 Ps 7:16; Pr 18:7

10 Let hot coals fall on them.

Let them be thrown into the fire,

into the abyss, never again to rise.  * 140:10 Ps 11:6; 36:12

11 Do not let a slanderer stay in the land.

Let evil relentlessly  * 140:11 Hb obscure hunt down a violent man.  * 140:11 Ps 34:21

12 I  * 140:12 Alt Hb tradition reads You know that the  Lord upholds

the just cause of the poor,

justice for the needy.  * 140:12 1Kg 8:45,49; Ps 9:4; 82:3

13 Surely the righteous will praise your name;

the upright will live in your presence.  * 140:13 Ps 11:7; 64:10