Definition: Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 140:4. It’s a really powerful and important message about safety and protection. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is asking God for protection from those who want to harm or destroy you. It’s saying, “I need your help, please keep me safe from these people.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Keep me, O LORD…” : This is a direct plea – you're asking God to watch over you and defend you. It’s a request for his care and protection. “…from the hands of the wicked…” : “Wicked” here means someone who is evil, dishonest, or doesn’t have good intentions. They are those who seek to harm you. ‘Hands’ refers to physical danger – they want to hurt you. “…preserve me from the violent man…” : This person is someone who is angry, impulsive, and prone to violence. They want to cause trouble or harm. “…who have purposed to overthrow my goings.” : This is a more figurative phrase. “Goings” could mean anything – your life, your peace, your happiness, or even your trust in God. ‘Purposed to overthrow’ means they want to destroy you, to take away what you value. Overall Meaning: The verse essentially says that you're vulnerable to those who are intent on causing you harm and destruction. God desires to keep you safe from them, and he wants to protect you from their attempts to hurt or ruin your life. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God and seeking his protection. Why is this important? This verse speaks to our everyday lives. We all face people who might try to cause us harm – whether it's someone being mean, spreading negativity, or trying to disrupt your life. Knowing that God is watching over you and offering protection can give you strength and courage to stay strong in the face of challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a particular situation or challenge you're facing?