Psalm 140

Prayer for Rescue

For the choir director. A psalm of David.

Rescue me, Lord, from evil men.

Keep me safe from violent mena

2who plan evil in their hearts.

They stir up wars all day long.a

3They make their tongues

as sharp as a snake’s bite;

viper’s venom is under their lips.a

Selah

4Protect me, Lord,

from the power of the wicked.a

Keep me safe from violent men

who plan to make me stumble.a b

5The proud hide a trap with ropes for me;

they spread a net along the path

and set snares for me.a

Selah

6I say to the Lord, “You are my God.”

Listen, Lord, to my cry for help.a

7Lord, my Lord, my strong Savior,

you shield my head on the day of battle.a

8Lord, do not grant the desires of the wicked;

do not let them achieve their goals.

Otherwise, they will become proud.a

Selah

9When those who surround me rise up,A

may the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them.a

10Let hot coals fall on them.

Let them be thrown into the fire,

into the abyss, never again to rise.a

11Do not let a slanderer stay in the land.

Let evil relentlesslyA hunt down a violent man.a

12IA know that the Lord upholds

the just cause of the poor,

justice for the needy.a

13Surely the righteous will praise your name;

the upright will live in your presence.a