[3] They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. /*Selah*/.
Tongues — Using words as sharp and piercing as the sting of a serpent.
[9] As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Mischief — The mischief which they design against me, shall fall upon themselves.
[10] Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
Coals — Divine vengeance, which is compared to coals of fire.
[13] Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Dwell — Shall constantly enjoy thy gracious and powerful presence.
Psalm 140 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 3
[3] They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. /*Selah*/.
Tongues — Using words as sharp and piercing as the sting of a serpent.
Verse 9
[9] As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Mischief — The mischief which they design against me, shall fall upon themselves.
Verse 10
[10] Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
Coals — Divine vengeance, which is compared to coals of fire.
Verse 13
[13] Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Dwell — Shall constantly enjoy thy gracious and powerful presence.