Psalms 140

Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

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,

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. Selah

⁹Those who surround me lift up their heads;[#140.9 Cn Compare Gk: Heb ; Heb divides verses 8 and 9 differently]

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.