To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
Deliver me, O Jehovah, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
Keep me, O Jehovah, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man;
who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside;
they have set gins for me. Selah.
I said unto Jehovah, Thou art my El: hear the voice of my supplications, O Jehovah.
O Elohim Adonay, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
Grant not, O Jehovah, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
As for the head of those that compass me about; let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast to into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
140:1 Save me, from the evil man, &c., 2-5 described; 6, 7 thou art my hearer and shelter; 8-11 imprecation; 12, 13 Jehovah is for the poor and the upright.