Psalms 140 GNV
Summary: A psalm of David pleading for deliverance from violent men who "imagine mischiefs in their heart" and sharpen their tongues "like a serpent" (v. 2-3), with imagery of snares, cords, gins, and traps "set... by the wayside" (v. 5). The psalmist asks God to let the mischief of their own lips fall back on them, confident that "the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor" (v. 12). It closes with assurance that the just will dwell in God's presence and give thanks to his name.
1To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David. Deliuer me, O Lord, from the euill man: preserue me from the cruel man:
2Which imagine euill things in their heart, and make warre continually.
3They haue sharpened their tongues like a serpent: adders poyson is vnder their lips. Selah.
4Keepe mee, O Lord, from the handes of the wicked: preserue mee from the cruell man, which purposeth to cause my steppes to slide.
5The proude haue layde a snare for me, and spred a nette with cordes in my pathway, and set grennes for me. Selah.
6Therefore I saide vnto the Lord, Thou art my God: heare, O Lord, the voyce of my prayers.
7O Lord God the strength of my saluation, thou hast couered mine head in the day of battel.
8Let not the wicked haue his desire, O Lord: performe not his wicked thought, least they be proude. Selah.
9As for the chiefe of them, that compasse me about, let the mischiefe of their owne lippes come vpon them.
10Let coles fal vpon them: let him cast them into the fire, and into the deepe pits, that they rise not.
11For the backbiter shall not be established vpon the earth: euill shall hunt the cruell man to destruction.
12I know that the Lord will auenge the afflicted, and iudge the poore.
13Surely the righteous shall prayse thy Name, and the iust shall dwell in thy presence.
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