Psalm 140

For the choir director: A psalm of David. ¹O LORD, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, ² those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long. ³ Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips.Interlude

⁴O LORD, keep me out of the hands of the wicked. Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me. ⁵ The proud have set a trap to catch me; they have stretched out a net; they have placed traps all along the way.Interlude

⁶I said to the LORD, “You are my God!” Listen, O LORD, to my cries for mercy! ⁷ O Sovereign LORD, the strong one who rescued me, you protected me on the day of battle. ⁸ LORD, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud.Interlude

⁹Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me. ¹⁰ Let burning coals fall down on their heads. Let them be thrown into the fire or into watery pits from which they can’t escape. ¹¹ Don’t let liars prosper here in our land. Cause great disasters to fall on the violent.

¹²But I know the LORD will help those they persecute; he will give justice to the poor. ¹³ Surely righteous people are praising your name; the godly will live in your presence.