Psalms, chapter 140
A Prayer for the Lord's Help
escue me from cruel and violent enemies, Lord!
2They think up evil plans and always cause trouble.
3 Their words bite deep
like the poisonous fangs of a snake.
4Protect me, Lord, from cruel and brutal enemies,
who want to destroy me.
5Those proud people have hidden traps and nets
to catch me as I walk.
6You, Lord, are my God! Please listen to my prayer.
7You have the power to save me,
and you keep me safe in every battle.
8Don't let the wicked succeed in doing what they want,
or else they might never stop planning evil.
9They have me surrounded,
but make them the victims of their own vicious lies.
10Dump flaming coals on them and throw them into pits
where they can't climb out.
11Chase those cruel liars away!
Let trouble hunt them down.
12Our Lord, I know that you defend the homeless
and see that the poor are given justice.
13Your people will praise you and will live with you
because they do right.