Psalm 140

¹O Lord, rescue me from evil people.
    Protect me from those who are violent,
²those who plot evil in their hearts
    and stir up trouble all day long.
³Their tongues sting like a snake;
    the venom of a viper drips from their lips. Interlude

⁴O Lord, keep me out of the hands of the wicked.
    Protect me from those who are violent,
    for they are plotting against me.
⁵The proud have set a trap to catch me;
    they have stretched out a net;
    they have placed traps all along the way. Interlude

⁶I said to the Lord, “You are my God!”
    Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy!
⁷O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me,
    you protected me on the day of battle.
⁸Lord, do not let evil people have their way.
    Do not let their evil schemes succeed,
    or they will become proud. Interlude

⁹Let my enemies be destroyed
    by the very evil they have planned for me.
¹⁰Let burning coals fall down on their heads.
    Let them be thrown into the fire
    or into watery pits from which they can’t escape.
¹¹Don’t let liars prosper here in our land.
    Cause great disasters to fall on the violent.

¹²But I know the Lord will help those they persecute;
    he will give justice to the poor.
¹³Surely righteous people are praising your name;
    the godly will live in your presence.