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. Listen to my plea for justice, Yahweh; pay attention to my call for help! Give ear to my prayer from lips without deceit.

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

Let my vindication come from your presence; let 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.

If you test my heart, if you come to me in the night, you will purify me and will not find any evil plans; my mouth will not transgress.

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 mankind, it is at the word of your lips that I have kept myself from the ways of the lawless.

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

My steps have held firmly to your tracks; 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 to you, for you answer me, God; turn your ear to me and listen when I speak.

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 covenant faithfulness in a wonderful way, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their enemies!

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

Protect me like 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 presence of the wicked ones who assault me, my enemies who surround me.

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

They have no mercy on anyone; their mouths speak with pride.

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

They have surrounded my steps. They set their eyes to strike me to the ground.

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

They are like a lion eager for a victim, like a young lion crouching in hidden places.

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

Arise, Yahweh! Attack them! Throw them down on their faces! Rescue my life 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.

Rescue me from men by your hand, Yahweh, from men of this world whose prosperity is in this life alone! You will fill the bellies of your treasured ones with riches; they will have many children and will leave their wealth 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 see your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied, when I awake, with a sight of you.