9 As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
9 Those who surround me proudly rear their heads; may the mischief of their lips engulf them.
9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
9 These troublemakers all around me - let them drown in their own verbal poison.
9 "As for the head of those who surround me, Let the evil of their lips cover them;
9 Let my enemies be destroyed by the very evil they have planned for me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 140:9
Commentary on Psalm 140:8-13
(Read Psalm 140:8-13)
Believers may pray that God would not grant the desires of the wicked, nor further their evil devices. False accusers will bring mischief upon themselves, even the burning coals of Divine vengeance. And surely the righteous shall dwell in God's presence, and give him thanks for evermore. This is true thanksgiving, even thanks-living: this use we should make of all our deliverances, we should serve God the more closely and cheerfully. Those who, though evil spoken of and ill-used by men, are righteous in the sight of God, being justified by the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to them, and received by faith, as the effect of which, they live soberly and righteously; these give thanks to the Lord, for the righteousness whereby they are made righteous, and for every blessing of grace, and mercy of life.