Psalm 140

1. From evil men, O LORD, protect me;
   from all their fury, save my life.
   Their hearts and minds are full of malice;
   they daily stir up war and strife.
   
   
2. Their tongues are sharper than a serpent’s;
   their words with deadly venom sting.
   O LORD, protect me from the wicked,
   for they like vipers ruin bring.
   
   
3. Keep me from those who rage against me,
   those who for me have spread a net.
   They in their pride seek my destruction
   and in my path their snares have set.
   
   
4. LORD, save me, hear my cry for mercy.
   “You are my God,” so I have said.
   O LORD, you are my strong defender
   and in the battle shield my head.
   
   
5. Let not my foes’ desires be granted;
   LORD, let their plotting not succeed.
   Let their own sin be their undoing;
   repay them for their pride and greed.
   
   
6. May burning coals fall down upon them;
   let them be thrown into the fire.
   LORD, put an end to all their slander
   and fling them into pits of mire.
   
   
7. I know, LORD, you uphold the needy;
   you justice for the poor proclaim.
   Surely the righteous with thanksgiving
   will in your presence praise your name.