Psalms

Chapter 140

  1. 1

    Come quickly, Lord, at my cry for succour; do not let my appeal to thee go unheard.

  2. 2

    Welcome as incense-smoke let my prayer rise up before thee; when I lift up my hands, be it acceptable as the evening sacrifice.

  3. 3

    Lord, set a guard on my mouth, post a sentry before my lips;

  4. 4

    do not turn my heart towards thoughts of evil, and deeds of treachery; never let me take part with the wrong-doers, and share the banquet with them.

  5. 5

    Rather let some just man deal me heavy blows; this shall be his kindness to me; reprove me, and it shall be balm poured over me; such unction never will this head refuse. Their injuries I will still greet with a prayer …

  6. 6

    … My words have won their hearts, a people that had seen their chieftains hurled down the rock-face,

  7. 7

    a people whose bones lie scattered at the grave’s mouth, like seed when the earth is cloven into furrows.

  8. 8

    To thee these eyes look, my Lord, my Master; in thee I trust; let not my life be forfeit.

  9. 9

    Preserve me from the ambush they have laid for me, from the snares of the wrong-doers.

  10. 10

    Into their own net, sinner upon sinner, may they fall, and I pass on in safety.