140
1 A Psalm of David.
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.
* 140:3 Lit. a door of fortification. † 140:4 Gr. pretend pretences. ‡ 140:4 Gr. in. § 140:4 Gr. I will not. ** 140:5 q. d. lest I be injured by them.