Im-Prec-A-Tory

Psalm 140

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

[1] Deliver me, O LORD, from that evil person;

preserve me from their violent thoughts,

[2] preserve me from the one who planned evil things in their heart

and stirred up war with me continually.

[3] They made their tongue sharp as a serpent’s,

and under their lips was the venom of asps. 

Selah.

[4] Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of that wicked one;

preserve me from violent thoughts,

that would love nothing better than to see me trip.

[5] That arrogant one would have hidden a trap for me,

and with cords they would have spread a net;

beside the way they wished to set snares for me. 

Selah.

[6] I say to the LORD, You are my God;

give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O LORD!

[7] O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,

you have covered my head in the day of battle.

[8] Grant not, O LORD, the desires of that wicked one;

do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! 

Selah.

[9] As for the head of that one that wished to surround me,

or schemed secrets behind my back,

let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!

[10] Let burning coals fall upon them!

Let them be cast into fire,

into miry pits, no more to rise!

[11] Let not that slanderer, that schemer, that liar be established in the land;

let evil hunt down that wicked woman speedily!

[12] I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted,

and will execute justice for the needy.

[13] Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name;

the upright shall dwell in your presence.