Psalm 140
Prayer for Protection against Wicked, Crafty Men
2 DELIVER me, Jahve, from wicked men, From the violent man preserve me, 3 Who plot wickedness in the heart, Daily do they stir up wars. 4 They sharpen their tongue like a serpent, Adder's poison is under their lips. (Sela.) 5 Keep me, Jahve, from the hands of the wicked, From the violent man preserve me, Who purpose to thrust aside my footsteps 6 The proud hide snares for me and cords, They spread nets close hy the path, They set traps for me. (Sela.) 7 I say to Jahve : My God art Thou, Oh give ear, Jahve, to the cry of my supplication. 8 Jahve the Lord is the stronghold of my salvatiou, Thou coverest my head in the day of equipment. 9 Grant not, Jahve, the desires of the wicked ; Let not his device prosper, that they may not be lifted up. (Sela.) 10 The head of those who compass me about — let the trouble of their lips cover them ! 11 Let burning coals be cast down upon them, let them be cast into the fire, Into abysses out of which they may never rise up ! 12 Let not the man of the tongue be established on the earth, The man of violence — let wickedness hunt him in violent haste ! 13 I know that Jahve will carry through the cause of the afflicted, The right of the poor. 14 Yea, the righteous shall give thanks unto Thy Name, The upright shall dwell beside Thy countenance.
