Psalms

140

O Lord, I have cried to thee; hear me: attend to the voice of my supplication, when I cry to thee.

2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, O Lord, on my mouth, and a *strong door about my lips.

4 Incline not my heart to evil things, to †employ pretexts ‡for sins, with men who work iniquity: and §let me not unite with their choice ones.

5 The righteous shall chasten me with mercy, and reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head: for yet shall my prayer also be in their **pleasures.

6 Their mighty ones have been swallowed up near the rock: they shall hear my words, for they are sweet.

7 As a lump of earth is crushed upon the ground, our bones have been scattered by the mouth of the grave.

8 For mine eyes are to thee, O Lord God: I have hoped in thee; take not away my life.

9 Keep me from the snare which they have set for me, and from the stumbling-blocks of them that work iniquity.

10 Sinners shall fall by their own net: I am alone until I shall escape.