Psalm 141

A Psalm of David.

¹ Lord, I call upon You; hasten to me. Give ear to my voice when I cry to You.

² Let my prayer be set forth as incense before You, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.^(A)

³ Set a guard, O Lord, before my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.

⁴ Incline my heart not to submit or consent to any evil thing or to be occupied in deeds of wickedness with men who work iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties.

⁵ Let the righteous man smite and correct me—it is a kindness. Oil so choice let not my head refuse or discourage; for even in their evils or calamities shall my prayer continue.^(B)

⁶ When their rulers are overthrown in stony places, [their followers] shall hear my words, that they are sweet (pleasant, mild, and just).

⁷ The unburied bones [of slaughtered rulers] shall lie scattered at the mouth of Sheol, [as unregarded] as the lumps of soil behind the plowman when he breaks open the ground.^(C)

⁸ But my eyes are toward You, O God the Lord; in You do I trust and take refuge; pour not out my life nor leave it destitute and bare.

⁹ Keep me from the trap which they have laid for me, and the snares of evildoers.

¹⁰ Let the wicked fall together into their own nets, while I pass over them and escape.