Psalms

The Psalter is Israel’s hymnbook: lament, praise, thanksgiving, royal psalms, and wisdom. It trains the heart to speak to God in trouble and in joy, and it points ahead to the Messiah.

Author: David and others
Date: c. 1400–400 BC
Theme: Prayers and songs for every season of the life of faith.
Key verses: Psalm 23; Psalm 51; Psalm 119:105
American King James

Psalms 140

1¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; 2Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. 3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah. 4Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. 5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah. 6I said to the LORD, You are my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. 7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. 8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. 9As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. 10Let burning coals fall on them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again. 11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. 12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. 13Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name: the upright shall dwell in your presence.

American King James Version. Public domain or openly redistributable. Confirm the exact edition before public display if text is later imported.