Psalm 140
NET Bible
Chapter overview
Psalm 140 asks rescue from violent schemers whose speech, traps, and plans endanger the vulnerable. The prayer trusts that malicious strategies will recoil and that justice will defend poor and needy people.
ProtectionViolenceJusticePoor
1O Lord, rescue me from wicked men! Protect me from violent men,
2who plan ways to harm me. All day long they stir up conflict.
3Their tongues wound like a serpent; a viper’s venom is behind their lips. (Selah)
4O Lord, shelter me from the power of the wicked! Protect me from violent men, who plan to knock me over.
5Proud men hide a snare for me; evil men spread a net by the path; they set traps for me. (Selah)
6I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” O Lord, pay attention to my plea for mercy!
7O sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.
8O Lord, do not let the wicked have their way! Do not allow their plan to succeed when they attack! (Selah)
9As for the heads of those who surround me – may the harm done by their lips overwhelm them!
10May he rain down fiery coals upon them! May he throw them into the fire! From bottomless pits they will not escape.
11A slanderer will not endure on the earth; calamity will hunt down a violent man and strike him down.
12I know that the Lord defends the cause of the oppressed and vindicates the poor.
13Certainly the godly will give thanks to your name; the morally upright will live in your presence.
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