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    Psalms 140 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 140 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 140

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    Psalms 140 Summary

    Psalm 140 is David's urgent plea for protection from violent and scheming enemies. He describes them as having sharp tongues like serpents and venom of vipers on their lips.

    David asks God to thwart their plans, keep him safe, and bring their own evil back upon their heads. Despite the danger, he expresses confidence that God upholds the cause of the needy and the rights of the poor.

    Key Themes

    Protection from violenceEvil speechGod upholds the needyConfidence in God

    Key Verses in Psalms 140

    "I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy."

    — Psalms 140:12

    A declaration of confidence that God champions the vulnerable.

    Life Application

    When surrounded by those who use words as weapons, trust that God secures justice for the vulnerable. His protection is greater than any human scheme.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are enemies compared to snakes?

    Their venomous speech and hidden strikes are like serpents—dangerous, deceptive, and deadly.

    Psalm 140 Commentary & Reflection

    Lament
    Urgent, trusting

    Best read for: Protection from evil, justice for the vulnerable

    Overview of Psalm 140: Deliver Me from Evil Men

    Psalm 140 is David's prayer for rescue from violent, scheming men who sharpen their tongues like serpents and have adders' poison under their lips. He asks God to keep him from the wicked, not to grant their desires, and to let burning coals fall upon them. Yet David affirms that God maintains the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor. The upright shall dwell in God's presence.

    Key Themes

    Evil
    Protection
    God's Justice
    The Poor

    Key Verses to Remember

    “Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man.”
    — Psalm 140:1 (KJV)
    “I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.”
    — Psalm 140:12 (KJV)

    Reflection

    Poisonous speech and violent schemes — David knew them well. But he didn't fight fire with fire; he brought it to God. The afflicted have an Advocate, and the upright will dwell in His presence.

    Historical Context

    David prays for protection from violent men who 'sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips.' Paul quoted this verse in Romans 3:13 to establish universal human sinfulness. The psalm pairs physical violence with verbal violence, recognizing that words can be as destructive as weapons.

    How to Apply Psalm 140 Today

    Verbal attacks—gossip, slander, manipulation—are not minor offenses. This psalm treats poisonous speech with the same seriousness as physical violence. Guard your own tongue, and when others attack you verbally, bring it to God as the serious assault it is.

    A Prayer from Psalm 140

    Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips. Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked. I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor. The righteous shall give thanks to Your name. Amen.

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