Psalms 140

1LORD, rescue me from evil people; keep me safe from those who do violence, 2who scheme harm in their hearts and keep starting battles day after day. 3They whet their tongues like a serpent; viper’s venom lies hidden behind their lips. Selah 4LORD, guard me from the clutches of the wicked; shield me from violent people who are scheming to make me fall. 5Arrogant people have hidden a trap for me; they have stretched out ropes as a net beside the path and laid snares to catch me. Selah 6I have told the LORD, “You are my God.” Turn your ear, LORD, to the sound of my pleading. 7Lord GOD, mighty one who saves me, you have covered my head on the day the weapons clash. 8LORD, do not give the wicked what they crave; do not let their scheme succeed, or they will grow proud. Selah 9As for those who close in around me, may the harm their own lips speak come down over their heads. 10Let burning coals rain down on them; may they be hurled into fire, into deep pits, never to get up again. 11Let no slanderer find a firm place in the land; let disaster hunt down the violent and strike them again and again. 12I know that the LORD will take up the case of the oppressed and see that the needy get justice. 13The righteous will surely give thanks to your name, and people of integrity will make their home before you.