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Psalms 140

World English Bible

WEB

1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. Deliver me, Yahweh, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men: 2those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war. 3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. Selah. 4Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet. 5The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah. 6I said to Yahweh, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh. 7Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. 8Yahweh, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah. 9As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. 10Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise. 11An evil speaker won’t be established on the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him. 12I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy. 13Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Psalms 140 is a heartfelt prayer of David, expressing his deep reliance on God for protection against the wicked. The psalm opens with a plea for deliverance from evil men and their violent schemes, as David cries out to the Lord to save him from those who plot harm. He recognizes the danger posed by those who speak deceitfully and who have hearts filled with malice, illustrating the constant battle between good and evil that believers face. David's request for God to guard his mouth and keep him from the snares of the wicked highlights the importance of divine guidance in our speech and actions. This reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking God’s wisdom in the face of temptation and adversity.

The psalm continues with David's confidence in God's justice, as he calls upon the Lord to bring judgment upon his enemies. He expresses assurance that the wicked will ultimately fall into their own traps, a reminder of the biblical principle that those who plot evil will reap what they sow. David concludes with a declaration of faith, affirming that the Lord is his strength and that the righteous will see God's justice. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer, the need for divine protection, and the assurance that God is a refuge for those who trust in Him.

In summary, Psalms 140 encapsulates the struggle against evil while emphasizing the believer's reliance on God’s protection and justice. It encourages us to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God hears our cries and will act on behalf of His people.

#Psalms #David #Prayer #Deliverance #Justice #Evil

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Referenced by

  1. Psalms 36:11v4Both verses are prayers for protection against the wicked and the proud, seeking God's intervention to prevent their harm.
  2. James 3:8v3James 3:8 describes the tongue as untamable and full of deadly poison, paralleling Psalm 140:3, which speaks of the wicked sharpening their tongues like a serpent, with venom under their lips.

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