Psalms, 139
1. (To the choir-master. A psalm. Of David.)
2. Rescue me, Lord, from human malice, save me from the lovers of oppression,
3. always plotting treachery in their hearts, always at their quarrelling,
4. tongues sharp as the tongues of serpents, lips that hide the poison of adders.
5. Preserve me Lord, from the power of sinful men, save me from these lovers of oppression who are plotting to trip my feet.
6. What hidden snares they set for me, these tyrants, what nets they spread to catch me, what traps they lay in my path!
7. To the Lord I make my appeal, Thou art my God, listen, Lord, to the voice that pleads with thee.
8. My Lord, my Master, my strong deliverer, it is thou that shieldest my head in the day of battle.
9. Lord, do not let malice have its way with me, do not prosper its evil designs.
10. They carry their heads high as they close in around me; let their conspiracy prove its own undoing;
11. let burning coals rain down on them, be they cast into a pit whence they shall rise no more.
12. Not long the blasphemer’s time on earth: misfortune will overtake the oppressor unawares.
13. Can I doubt that the Lord will avenge the helpless, will grant the poor redress?
14. Honest men will yet live to praise thy name; upright hearts to enjoy the smile of thy favour.
