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Psalm 140

King James Version

1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; 2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. 3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders'poison is under their lips. Selah. 4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. 5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah. 6 I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. 7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. 8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. 9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. 10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again. 11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him . 12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence. 

King James Bible (1769). Public Domain.
Please note the following exceptions for use and publication in the United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press

Psalm 140

English Standard Version



1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, (Ps 18:48; Ps 71:4; Ps 119:153; Ps 119:170; Pr 3:31) 2 who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. (Ps 56:6) 3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of asps. (Ps 10:7; Ps 52:2; Ps 58:4; Ro 3:13) 4 Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. (Ps 140:1) 5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net;[1] beside the way they have set snares for me. (Job 18:8; Ps 35:7; Ps 64:5; Ps 141:9; Ps 142:3; Jer 18:22) 6 I say to the Lord, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord! (Ps 28:2; Ps 31:22; Ps 130:2; Ps 142:5) 7 O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. (Ps 28:8) 8 Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their[2] evil plot, or they will be exalted! (Ps 35:25; Isa 14:21) 9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! (Ps 7:16; Pr 12:13; Pr 18:7) 10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise! (Ps 11:6; Ps 18:13) 11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily! 12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. (1Ki 8:45; 1Ki 8:49; 1Ki 8:59; Ps 9:4) 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence. (Ps 11:7; Ps 64:10) 

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