Psalm 140

Easy-to-Read Version

To the director: A praise song of David.

140 Lord, save me from people who are evil.
    Protect me from those who are cruel,
²from those who plan to do evil
    and always cause trouble.
³Their words are as harmful as the fangs of a snake,
    as deadly as its venom. Selah

⁴Lord, save me from the wicked!
    Protect me from these cruel people who plan to hurt me.
⁵These proud people are trying to trap me.
    They spread nets to catch me;
    they set traps in my path. Selah

⁶Lord, you are my God.
    Lord, listen to my prayer.
⁷My Lord God, you are the powerful one who saves me.
    You protect my head in battle.
⁸Lord, don’t let the wicked have what they want.
    Don’t let their plans succeed. Selah

⁹My enemies are planning trouble for me.
    Lord, make that trouble fall on them.
¹⁰Pour burning coals on their heads.
    Throw them into the fire.
    Throw them into pits they can never escape.
¹¹Don’t let those cruel liars enjoy success here.
    Let disaster hunt them down.
¹²I know the Lord will provide justice for the poor
    and will defend the helpless.
¹³Those who do what is right will praise your name;
    those who are honest will live in your presence.