Psalms 140
The psalmist asks God to deliver him from evil men who plot against him and speak maliciously, and to protect him from their snares and violence. He affirms his trust in God as his Lord and salvation, and asks that the wicked not be granted their desires. The psalmist prays for the downfall of his enemies, and expresses confidence that God will maintain the cause of the afflicted and execute justice for the needy. Ultimately, the righteous will give thanks to God and dwell in His presence.
1Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,2who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually.3They make their tongue sharp as a serpent's, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah4Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.5The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah6I say to the LORD, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!7O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot or they will be exalted! Selah9As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!10Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise!11Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily!12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy.13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
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