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 of David. Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer— it comes from lips free of deceit.

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

May my vindication come from Your presence; may Your eyes see what is right.

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 tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.

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 avoided 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 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 call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.

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 the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes.

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 in 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 assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

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

They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.

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

They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,

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

like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.

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

Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me 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 such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to 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 will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.