For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man; preserve me from the violent man:
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually do they gather themselves together for war.
They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man: Who have purposed to thrust aside my steps.
The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the way side; they have set gins for me. Selah
I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: give ear unto the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; further not his evil 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 into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
An evil speaker shall not be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the needy.
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Canonical academic citations for Psalms 140 (ERV) — copy in your preferred format.
Psalms 140 (ERV). Prime Bible, accessed July 25, 2026. https://primebible.com/erv/psalms/140.
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Deliver from violent men; snake-tongues; LORD maintains cause of needy.
Communal hymns, liturgical psalms, and post-exilic additions.
Psalms 140 is presented with the full Hebrew interlinear, Strong's numbers, and verse-by-verse cross-references on Prime Bible — a free, nonprofit Bible study platform.