Domine, clamavi.
A prayer against sinful words, and deceitful flatterers.
A psalm of David.
140:1. I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me: hearken to my voice, when
I cry to thee.
140:2. Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight; the lifting
up of my hands, as evening sacrifice.
140:3. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: and a door round about my
lips.
140:4. Incline not my heart to evil words; to make excuses in sins.
With men that work iniquity: and I will not communicate with the
choicest of them.
140:5. The just man shall correct me in mercy, and shall reprove me:
but let not the oil of the sinner fatten my head. For my prayer shall
still be against the things with which they are well pleased:
Let not the oil of the sinner, etc.... That is, the flattery, or
deceitful praise.—Ibid. For my prayer, etc.... So far from coveting
their praises, who are never well pleased but with things that are
evil; I shall continually pray to be preserved from such things as they
are delighted with.
140:6. Their judges falling upon the rock have been swallowed up. They
shall hear my words, for they have prevailed:
Their judges, etc.... Their rulers, or chiefs, quickly vanish and
perish, like ships dashed against the rocks, and swallowed up by the
waves. Let them then hear my words, for they are powerful and will
prevail; or, as it is in the Hebrew, for they are sweet.
140:7. As when the thickness of the earth is broken up upon the ground:
Our bones are scattered by the side of hell.
140:8. But to thee, O Lord, Lord, are my eyes: in thee have I put my
trust, take not away my soul.
140:9. Keep me from the snare, which they have laid for me, and from
the stumblingblocks of them that work iniquity.
140:10. The wicked shall fall in his net: I am alone until I pass.
I am alone, etc.... Singularly protected by the Almighty, until I pass
all their nets and snares.