140  A song by David for the choir director.

1 Yahweh, rescue me from wicked men.

≈ Keep me safe from men of violence,

2 because they plan evil in their hearts.

They assemble for battles every day.

3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes.

≈ Vipers’ poison is on their lips.[ref] (Instrumental break.)

4 Keep me from the hands of the wicked, Yahweh.

≈ Protect me from violent men who plan to ruin me.

5 The proud have set a trap for me,

and they’ve spread a net with ropes.

They’ve set traps for me along the path. (Instrumental break.)

6 I said to Yahweh, “You’re my god.

Yahweh, listen to my cries for mercy.”

7 Yahweh, my master, you’re the strong one who can save me.

You protect my head during the battle.

8 Yahweh, don’t let the wicked get what they want.

Don’t allow their evil plans to succeed, or let them attack. (Instrumental break.)

9 Those who surround me raise their heads.

Let the mischief from their own lips bounce back on them.

10 Let burning coals fall on them.

≈ Throw them into the fire or into muddy pits.

→ Never again will they try to attack.

11 May no agitator become established in the land.

≈ May evil speedily hunt down the man planning violence.

12 I know that Yahweh will act with favour for the poor

≈ and with justice to the needy.

13 Surely the godly people will praise your name.

The upright will live peaceably in your presence.