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.

[A Prayer by David.] Hear, YHWH, my righteous plea; Give ear to my prayer, that doesn't go out of deceitful lips.

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

Let my sentence come forth from your presence. Let your eyes look on equity.

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].

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 words of thy lips I have guarded [myself from] hard ways.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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.

They have tracked me down; suddenly they surround me. They watch closely, crouching 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].

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

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

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

from men with your hand, YHWH, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure. They are satisfied with children, and they leave their wealth to their little ones.

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

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