Psalms

Chapter 139

  1. 2

    Rescue me, Lord, from human malice, save me from the lovers of oppression,

  2. 3

    always plotting treachery in their hearts, always at their quarrelling,

  3. 4

    tongues sharp as the tongues of serpents, lips that hide the poison of adders.

  4. 5

    Preserve me Lord, from the power of sinful men, save me from these lovers of oppression who are plotting to trip my feet.

  5. 6

    What hidden snares they set for me, these tyrants, what nets they spread to catch me, what traps they lay in my path!

  6. 7

    To the Lord I make my appeal, Thou art my God, listen, Lord, to the voice that pleads with thee.

  7. 8

    My Lord, my Master, my strong deliverer, it is thou that shieldest my head in the day of battle.

  8. 9

    Lord, do not let malice have its way with me, do not prosper its evil designs.

  9. 10

    They carry their heads high as they close in around me; let their conspiracy prove its own undoing;

  10. 11

    let burning coals rain down on them, be they cast into a pit whence they shall rise no more.

  11. 12

    Not long the blasphemer’s time on earth: misfortune will overtake the oppressor unawares.

  12. 13

    Can I doubt that the Lord will avenge the helpless, will grant the poor redress?

  13. 14

    Honest men will yet live to praise thy name; upright hearts to enjoy the smile of thy favour.