Psalms 140 WBT
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 the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
2Who imagine mischiefs in [their] heart; continually are they assembled [for] war.
3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adder's poison [is] under their lips. Selah.
4Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the way side: they have set gins for me. Selah.
6I said to the LORD, Thou [art] my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8Grant 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 encompass me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not again.
11Let not an evil speaker be established on the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].
12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor.
13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
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