Psalm 140 :: New International Version (NIV)

Psa 140:1 [fn]For the director of music. A psalm of David. Rescue me, LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent,

Psa 140:2who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.

Psa 140:3They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips.[fn]

Psa 140:4Keep me safe, LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.

Psa 140:5The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.

Psa 140:6I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, LORD, my cry for mercy.

Psa 140:7Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.

Psa 140:8Do not grant the wicked their desires, LORD; do not let their plans succeed.

Psa 140:9Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them.

Psa 140:10May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise.

Psa 140:11May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent.

Psa 140:12I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.

Psa 140:13Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.

In Hebrew texts 140:1-13 is numbered 140:2-14.

The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verses 5 and 8.

For more information on this translation, see the NIV Preface.

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