Psalms 17

1 A prayer of David. Hearken, O Lord of my righteousness, attend to my petition; give ear to my prayer not [uttered] with deceitful lips.

2 Let my judgment come forth from thy presence; let mine eyes behold righteousness.

3 Thou has proved mine heart; thou hast visited [me] by night; thou hast tried me as with fire, and unrighteousness has not been found in me: [I am purposed] that my mouth shall not speak [amiss].

4 As for the works of men, by the words of thy lips I have guarded [myself from] hard ways.

5 Direct my steps in thy paths, that my steps slip not.

6 I have cried, for thou heardest me, O God: incline thine ear to me, and hearken to my words.

7 Shew the marvels of thy mercies, thou that savest them that hope in thee.

8 Keep me as the apple of the eye from those that resist thy right hand: thou shalt screen me by the covering of thy wings,

9 from the face of the ungodly that have afflicted me: mine enemies have compassed about my soul.

10 They have enclosed [themselves with] their own fat: their mouth has spoken pride.

11 They have now cast me out and compassed me round about: they have set their eyes [so as] to bow them down to the ground.

12 They laid wait for me as a lion ready for prey, and like a lion's whelp dwelling in secret [places].

13 Arise, O Lord, prevent them, and cast them down: deliver my soul from the ungodly: [draw] thy sword,

14 because of the enemies of thine hand: O Lord, destroy them from the earth; scatter them in their life, though their belly has been filled with thy hidden [treasures]: they have been satisfied with uncleanness, and have left the remnant [of their possessions] to their babes.

15 But I shall appear in righteousness before thy face: I shall be satisfied when thy glory appears.