Psalm 140

1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers;*
protect me from the violent,

2 Who devise evil in their hearts*
and stir up strife all day long.

3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent;*
adder’s poison is under their lips.

4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;*
protect me from the violent,
who are determined to trip me up.

5 The proud have hidden a snare for me
and stretched out a net of cords;*
they have set traps for me along the path.

6 I have said to the LORD, “You are my God;*
listen, O LORD, to my supplication.

7 O Lord GOD, the strength of my salvation,*
you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Do not grant the desires of the wicked, O LORD,*
nor let their evil plans prosper.

9 Let not those who surround me lift up their heads;*
let the evil of their lips overwhelm them.

10 Let hot burning coals fall upon them;*
let them be cast into the mire, never to rise up again.”

11 A slanderer shall not be established on the earth,*
and evil shall hunt down the lawless.

12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the poor *
and render justice to the needy.

13 Surely, the righteous will give thanks to your Name, *
and the upright shall continue in your sight.