For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

140:1 Deliver me, Yahweh, from the evil man.

Preserve me from the violent man;

140:2 those who devise mischief in their hearts.

They continually gather themselves together for war.

140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent.

Viper's poison is under their lips.

Selah.

140:4 Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked.

Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.

140:5 The proud have hidden a snare for me,

they have spread the cords of a net by the path.

They have set traps for me.

Selah.

140:6 I said to Yahweh, "You are my God."

Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh.

140:7 Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation,

you have covered my head in the day of battle.

140:8 Yahweh, don't grant the desires of the wicked.

Don't let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud.

Selah.

140:9 As for the head of those who surround me,

let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

140:10 Let burning coals fall on them.

Let them be thrown into the fire,

into miry pits, from where they never rise.

140:11 An evil speaker won't be established in the earth.

Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

140:12 I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted,

and justice for the needy.

140:13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name.

The upright will dwell in your presence.