Psalms 140:1-13

Lord, protect me from this evil one! Rescue me from these violent schemes! He concocts his secret strategy to divide and harm others, stirring up trouble one against another. They are known for their sharp rhetoric of poisonous, hateful words. Pause in his presence Keep me safe, Lord, out of reach from these wicked and violent men, and guard me, God, for they have plotted an evil scheme to ruin me and bring me down. They are proud and insolent; they’ve set an ambush for me in secret. They are determined to snare me in their net like captured prey. Pause in his presence O Lord, you are my God and my saving strength! My Hero-God, you wrap yourself around me to protect me. For I’m surrounded by your presence in my day of battle. Lord YAHWEH, hear my cry. May my voice move your heart to show me mercy. Don’t let the wicked triumph over me, but bring down their every strategy to subdue me or they will become even more arrogant! Pause in his presence Those who surround me are nothing but proud troublemakers. May they drink the poison of their own poisonous words. May their slanderous lives never prosper! Let evil itself hunt them down and pursue them relentlessly until they are thrown into fiery pits from which they will never get out! Let burning coals of hellfire fall upon their heads! For I know, Lord, that you will be the hero of all those they persecute, and you will secure justice for the poor. Your godly ones will thank you no matter what happens. For they choose and cherish your presence above everything else!