Psalm 140

1 ^{a140:1 V.1 is v. 2 in MT, and so throughout the chapter.} Deliver me, LORD, from evil people, preserve me from violent men,ISV — Psalm 140:1

2 who craft evil plans in their minds, inciting wars every day. ^{b140:2 Lit. all day; LXX DSS 11QPs read all the day}ISV — Psalm 140:2

3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the venom of vipers is on their lips. InterludeISV — Psalm 140:3

4 Protect me, LORD, from the control of evil people, from violent men who have planned to trip me.ISV — Psalm 140:4

5 The arrogant have laid a trap for me; they have spread a net with ropes, lining it with snares along the way. InterludeISV — Psalm 140:5

6 So I say to the LORD, “You are my God; listen to my voice as I plead for mercy, LORD.ISV — Psalm 140:6

7 LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, you have protected my head in the time ^{c140:7 Lit. day} of battle.ISV — Psalm 140:7

8 Never grant, LORD, the desires of the wicked; never condone their plans so they cannot exalt themselves. InterludeISV — Psalm 140:8

9 May those who surround me discover that the trouble they talk about falls on their own head!ISV — Psalm 140:9

10 May burning coals fall on them; may they be cast into fire, and into miry pits, never to rise again.ISV — Psalm 140:10

11 Let not the slanderer ^{d140:11 Lit. the man of tongue} become established in the land. May evil quickly hunt down the violent man.ISV — Psalm 140:11

12 I know that the LORD will act on behalf of the tormented, providing justice for the needy.ISV — Psalm 140:12

13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name, while the upright live in your presence.ISV — Psalm 140:13