Psalm 140

W. van der Kamp, 1972; rev.

1. LORD, rescue me from foes, I pray Thee;
   From all their fury, save my life.
   Their hearts plan evil to betray me;
   They daily stir up war and strife.
   
2. Their tongues are sharpened with their slander
   So that their words like serpents sting;
   Their poisoned lips to evil pander,
   And they like vipers ruin bring.
   
3. LORD, from the hands of foes protect me
   And keep me safe from violent men,
   Those who are plotting to obstruct me.
   Grant me Thy help and grace again.
   
4. Men proud of deeds by Thee forbidden
   In stealth their traps for me prepare.
   To catch me they their net have hidden;
   They in my path have laid their snare.
   
5. Give ear, LORD, to my supplication.
   I say to Thee, Thou art my God.
   O LORD, my Helper, my salvation,
   Shield me in battle with Thy rod.
   
6. Grant not what foes may be desiring;
   Let not their evil plots succeed!
   Those who around me are conspiring
   Lift up their heads in pride and greed.
   
7. For all their misdeeds, proud and vicious,
   Grant their own mischief as reward.
   Let them be cast into abysses;
   With burning coals repay them, LORD.
   
8. Let slanderers not be established
   Where all the righteous honor Thee;
   Let men of violence all be banished
   And hunted down in infamy.
   
9. I know the LORD upholds the needy;
   With Him their cause will be secure.
   He saves them from the proud and greedy;
   Our God shows justice to the poor.
   
10. Surely the righteous will adore Thee
    And give their thanks to Thy great Name;
    The upright all will dwell before Thee
    And there Thy faithfulness proclaim.