Psalm 140

New International Reader's Version

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

140 Lord, save me from sinful people.
    Keep me safe from those who want to hurt me.
²They make evil plans in their hearts.
    They are always starting fights.
³Their tongues are as deadly as the tongue of a serpent.
    The words from their lips are like the poison of a snake.

⁴Lord, keep me safe from the hands of sinful people.
    Protect me from those who want to hurt me.
    They plan ways to trip me up and make me fall.
⁵Proud people have hidden their traps to catch me.
    They have spread out their nets.
    They have set traps for me along my path.

⁶I say to the Lord, “You are my God.”
    Lord, hear my cry for mercy.
⁷Lord and King, you save me because you are strong.
    You are like a shield that keeps me safe in the day of battle.
⁸Lord, don’t give sinners what they want.
    Don’t let their plans succeed.

⁹Those who are all around me proudly raise their heads.
    May the trouble they planned for me happen to them.
¹⁰May burning coals fall on people like that.
    May they be thrown into the fire.
    May they be thrown into muddy pits and never get out.
¹¹Don’t let people who lie about me be secure in the land.
    May trouble hunt down those who want to hurt me.

¹²I know that the Lord makes sure that poor people are treated fairly.
He stands up for those who are in need.
¹³I’m sure that those who do right will praise your name.
Those who are honest will live with you.