The Holy Bible – Knox Translation
The Book of Psalms
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Psalm 139
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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.
