Psalms 140 — FBV

For the music director. A psalm of David.

140Verse 1Lord, please save me from those who do evil; protect me especially from those who are violent!
^{Verse 2}Their minds are busy plotting evil things, stirring up trouble all day long.
^{Verse 3}Their tongues are as sharp as those of snakes; viper's venom is on their lips. Selah.
^{Verse 4}Lord, please keep me from falling into the hands of the wicked; protect me especially from those who are violent, who are plotting my downfall.
^{Verse 5}Proud people have hidden a trap for me—they have strung out a net on the path, they have set snares to catch me. Selah.
^{Verse 6}I told the Lord, “You are my God! Lord, please listen to my cries for help!”
^{Verse 7}Lord God, my powerful Savior, you covered my head like a helmet⁺on the day of battle.
^{Verse 8}God, don't allow the wicked to get what they want—don't let them be successful in what they plan so they don't become proud. Selah.
^{Verse 9}May the harm spoken against me by those who surround me fall back on them,^{+
Verse 10}Let burning coals rain down on them! Let them be thrown into the fire, or into bottomless pits, never to rise again.
^{Verse 11}Don't let people who slander others live in our land. May disaster strike down violent people.
^{Verse 12}Yet I know the Lord defends the rights of those who are persecuted, and gives justice to the poor.
^{Verse 13}Truly those who live right are thankful for the kind of person you are,⁺and those who are honest⁺will live in your presence.