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. Lord, please hear my cry for justice! Please pay attention to my call for help! Listen to the prayer of an honest man!

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

Vindicate me before you—for you 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 observed my thoughts, you have visited me at night, you have examined me—and you have found nothing wrong. I promised myself I wouldn't say anything I shouldn't.

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

With regard to the actions of others: I have done what you told me and I have avoided what violent people do.

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

I have not strayed from your path; my feet have not slipped from it.

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.

God, I call out to you because I know you will answer; please listen carefully to what I have to say.

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 me how wonderful your trustworthy love really is, Savior of those who come to you for protection against their enemies!

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

Keep me safe as someone you love; hide me underneath your wings.

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

Protect me from the attacks of the wicked who want to destroy me, from my enemies who surround me, intent on killing me.

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

They have no compassion, and all they have to say is pure arrogance.

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

They hunt me down and surround me, looking for the chance to knock me down in the dust.

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

They are like lions, longing to tear their prey apart; like fierce lions crouching in ambush.

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

Lord, stand up and confront them! Force them to back down! By your sword rescue me from the wicked!

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.

Lord, by your power, save me from people whose only thought is for this world. May they be filled with what you have in store for them, their children too, with left-overs for their grandchildren!

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 all its goodness. When I awake, I will be so pleased to see you face to face.