Psalm 140

Modern English Version

⁴ Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
    preserve me from the violent men
    who have planned to overthrow me.
⁵ The proud have hid a snare for me,
    and with cords they have spread a net;
    they have set traps for me. Selah

⁶ I said to the Lord, “You are my God;
    hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.”
⁷ O God my Lord, the strength of my salvation,
    You have covered my head in the day of battle.
⁸ Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;
    do not allow his evil plot,
    lest he be raised up. Selah

⁹ As for the head of those who encompass me,
    let the mischief of their own lips overwhelm them;
¹⁰ let burning coals fall upon them;
    let them be cast into the fire,
    into deep pits that they do not rise up again.
¹¹ Let not an evil speaker be established in the land;
    let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him!

¹² I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted
    and will give justice to the poor.
¹³ Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto Your name;
    the upright shall dwell in Your presence.