Psalm 141

O LORD, I call to you.

Come quickly! I’m in need!

And, when I cry to you for help,

to my appeal give heed.

Like incense may my prayer

before your face arise—

The raising of my hands be like

the evening sacrifice.

Keep watch, LORD, on my mouth

and guard my lips, I pray;

Let not my heart to evil thoughts

be drawn and led astray.

Keep me from taking part

in what the evil do;

Let me not taste their choicest food,

lest I be false to you.

A righteous friend’s rebuke

will be a soothing balm;

Such blows, in kindness aimed at me,

will never do me harm.

Against the wicked’s deeds

I make my constant prayer;

Their rulers will be thrown from cliffs,

and they will perish there.

The wicked then will know

my words were spoken well.

Like ground that’s ploughed, their bones are strewn

before the mouth of hell.

But now, O Sovereign LORD,

on you I fix my gaze;

Do not deliver me to death—

you are my help always.

Protect me from the traps

the wicked set for me,

And let them be ensnared themselves,

while I instead go free.