140 Rescue me, O Yahweh, from evil men.^[b]
Preserve me from violent men,
² who plan evil things in their heart.
They stir up wars continually.
³ They sharpen their tongue as sharp as a snake’s;
the venom of a viper is under their lips. Selah
⁴ Protect me, O Yahweh, from the hands of the wicked.
Preserve me from violent men,
who have planned to make me stumble.^[c]
5 The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords.
They have spread out a net along the side^[d] of the path.
They have set snares for me. Selah
⁶ I say to Yahweh, “You are my God.”
Listen, O Yahweh, to the voice of my supplications.
⁷ O Yahweh, my Lord, the strength of my salvation,
you have covered my head in the day of battle.
⁸ Do not grant, O Yahweh, the desires of the wicked.
Do not allow them to attain their^[e] plan, lest they be exalted. Selah
⁹ With respect to the head of those who surround me,
may the harm of their lips cover them.
¹⁰ Let burning coals fall on them;
let them be dropped into the fire,
into bottomless pits from which they cannot rise.
¹¹ Do not let a slanderer^[f] be established in the land;
as for the man of violence, let evil hunt him quickly.
¹² I know^[g] that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
and justice for the needy.
¹³ Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name;
the upright will dwell in your presence.