Psalms 17

1 A Prayer. Of David. Let my cause come to your ears, O Lord, give attention to my cry; give ear to my prayer which goes not out from false lips.

A Prayer by David. Hear, LORD, my righteous plea. Give ear to my prayer that does not go out of deceitful lips.

2 Be my judge; for your eyes see what is right.

Let my sentence come out of your presence. Let your eyes look on equity.

3 You have put my heart to the test, searching me in the night; you have put me to the test and seen no evil purpose in me; I will keep my mouth from sin.

You have proved my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me, and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey.

4 As for the works of men, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

As for the deeds of men, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

5 I have kept my feet in your ways, my steps have not been turned away.

My steps have held fast to your paths. My feet have not slipped.

6 My cry has gone up to you, for you will give me an answer, O God: let your ear be turned to me, and give attention to my words.

I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech.

7 Make clear the wonder of your mercy, O saviour of those who put their faith in your right hand, from those who come out against them.

Show your marvelous loving kindness, you who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.

8 Keep me as the light of your eyes, covering me with the shade of your wings,

Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings,

9 From the evil-doers who are violent to me, and from those who are round me, desiring my death.

from the wicked who oppress me, my deadly enemies, who surround me.

10 They are shut up in their fat: with their mouths they say words of pride.

They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly.

11 They have made a circle round our steps: their eyes are fixed on us, forcing us down to the earth;

They have now surrounded us in our steps. They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.

12 Like a lion desiring its food, and like a young lion waiting in secret places.

He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

13 Up! Lord, come out against him, make him low, with your sword be my saviour from the evil-doer.

Arise, LORD, confront him. Cast him down. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,

14 With your hand, O Lord, from men, even men of the world, whose heritage is in this life, and whom you make full with your secret wealth: they are full of children; after their death their offspring take the rest of their goods.

from men by your hand, LORD, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life. You fill the belly of your cherished ones. Your sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.

15 As for me, I will see your face in righteousness: when I am awake it will be joy enough for me to see your form.

As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.