Psalm 140
Translated from the Hebrew of the Westminster Leningrad Codex. Tap a verse to see why it reads as it does. Tap a small letter to read its footnote.
Rescue me from violent people
1For the music director. A psalm of David. 2LORD, rescue me from evil people; keep me safe from those who do violence, 3who scheme harm in their hearts and keep starting battles day after day. 4They whet their tongues like a serpent; viper’s venom lies hidden behind their lips. Selah 5LORD, guard me from the clutches of the wicked; shield me from violent people who are scheming to make me fall. 6Arrogant people have hidden a trap for me; they have stretched out ropes as a net beside the path and laid snares to catch me. Selah 7I have told the LORD, “You are my God.” Turn your ear, LORD, to the sound of my pleading. 8Lord GOD, mighty one who saves me, you have covered my head on the day the weapons clash. 9LORD, do not give the wicked what they crave; do not let their scheme succeed, or they will grow proud. Selah 10As for those who close in around me, may the harm their own lips speak come down over their heads. 11Let burning coals rain down on them; may they be hurled into fire, into deep pits, never to get up again. 12Let no slanderer find a firm place in the land; let disaster hunt down the violent and strike them again and again. 13I know that the LORD will take up the case of the oppressed and see that the needy get justice. 14The righteous will surely give thanks to your name, and people of integrity will make their home before you.