← The Psalm world
Illustration for Psalm 140: Deliver Me, O LORD

Psalm 140

Deliver Me, O LORD

When AfraidComfortCourage

David asks God to protect him from people who plan evil things and use sharp, cruel words like snakes. He knows that God defends the cause of the poor and needy. God is his strong deliverer who shields him in battle.

  1. 1Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from violent men,
  2. 2who devise evil in their hearts and stir up wars all day long.
  3. 3They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; viper's venom is under their lips. Selah
  4. 4Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from violent men who have planned to trip up my feet.
  5. 5The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net, setting traps along the path. Selah
  6. 6I said to the LORD, "You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy.
  7. 7O Lord GOD, my strong deliverer, You have shielded my head in the day of battle.
  8. 8Do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let their plans succeed, lest they be exalted. Selah
  9. 9May the heads of those who surround me be covered by the mischief of their own lips.
  10. 10May burning coals fall upon them; may they be thrown into the fire, into deep pits from which they cannot escape.
  11. 11Let not the slanderer be established in the land; may evil hunt down the man of violence.
  12. 12I know that the LORD will uphold the cause of the poor and justice for the needy.
  13. 13Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.

Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)