Psalm 17

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

1 O LORD, hear my plea for justice.
Listen to my cry for help.
Pay attention to my prayer,
for it comes from honest lips.2 Declare me innocent,
for you see those who do right.3 You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
I am determined not to sin in what I say.4 I have followed your commands,
which keep me from following cruel and evil people.5 My steps have stayed on your path;
I have not wavered from following you.6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.7 Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.8 Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.t
Hide me in the shadow of your wings.9 Protect me from wicked people who attack me,
from murderous enemies who surround me.10 They are without pity.
Listen to their boasting!11 They track me down and surround me,
watching for the chance to throw me to the ground.12 They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—
like young lions hiding in ambush.13 Arise, O LORD!
Stand against them, and bring them to their knees!
Rescue me from the wicked with your sword!14 By the power of your hand, O LORD,
destroy those who look to this world for their reward.
But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones.
May their children have plenty,
leaving an inheritance for their descendants.15 Because I am righteous, I will see you.
When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.

PSALMS 17

The Prayer //of an Innocent Person

1 I am innocent, [Lord]!
Won't you listen as I pray
and beg for help?
I am honest!
Please hear my prayer.

2 Only you can say
that I am innocent,
because only your eyes
can see the truth.

3 You know my heart,
and even during the night
you have tested me
and found me innocent.
I have made up my mind
never to tell a lie.

4 I don't do like others.
I obey your teachings
and am not cruel.

5 I have followed you,
without ever stumbling.

6 I pray to you, God,
because you will help me.
Listen and answer my prayer!

7 Show your wonderful love.
Your mighty arm protects those
who run to you for safety
from their enemies.

8 Protect me as you would
your very own eyes;
hide me in the shadow
of your wings.

9 Don't let my brutal enemies
attack from all sides
and kill me.

10 They refuse to show mercy,
and they keep bragging.

11 They have caught up with me!
My enemies are everywhere,
eagerly hoping to smear me
in the dirt.

12 They are like hungry lions
hunting for food,
or like young lions
hiding in ambush.

13 Do something, [Lord]!
Attack and defeat them.
Take your sword and save me
from those evil people.

14 Use your powerful arm
and rescue me
from the hands of mere humans
whose world won't last.t
You provide food
for those you love.
Their children have plenty,
and their grandchildren
will have more than enough.

15 I am innocent, [Lord],
and I will see your face!
When I awake, all I want
is to see you as you are.