Psalm
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Psalm 140

Prayer for Protection against the Wicked.

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

1Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men;
Protect me from violent men.
2 
They devise evil things in their hearts;
They continually [gather together and] stir up wars.
3 
They sharpen their tongues like a serpent’s;
Poison of a viper is under their lips. Selah.

4 
Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
Protect me from violent men
Who intend to trip up my steps.
5 
The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords;
They have spread a net by the wayside;
They have set traps for me. Selah.

6 
I said to the Lord, “You are my God;
Listen to the voice of my supplications, O Lord.
7 
“O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 
“Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;
Do not further their evil device, that they not be exalted. Selah.

9 
“Those who surround me raise their heads;
May the mischief of their own lips come upon them.
10 
“Let burning coals fall upon them;
Let them be thrown into the fire,
Into deep [water] pits from which they cannot rise.
11 
“Do not let a slanderer be established in the earth;
Let evil quickly hunt the violent man [to overthrow him and stop his evil acts].”

12 
I know [with confidence] that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
And [will secure] justice for the poor.
13 
Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name;
The upright will dwell in Your presence.

Psalm 140