Psalm 17

1 Hear the right, O Jehovah, attend unto my cry; Give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; Let thine eyes look upon equity.

3 Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast visited me in the night; Thou hast tried me, and findest nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

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

5 My steps have held fast to thy paths, My feet have not slipped.

6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt answer me, O God: Incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.

7 Show thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them that take refuge in thee From those that rise up against them.

8 Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

9 From the wicked that oppress me, My deadly enemies, that compass me about.

10 They are inclosed in their own fat: With their mouth they speak proudly.

11 They have now compassed us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.

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

13 Arise, O Jehovah, Confront him, cast him down: Deliver my soul from the wicked by thy sword;

14 From men by thy hand, O Jehovah, From men of the world, whose portion is in this life, And whose belly thou fillest with thy treasure: They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

15 As for me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with beholding thy form.

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

1 Lord, consider my just cause!
Pay attention to my cry for help!
Listen to the prayer
I sincerely offer!

2 Make a just decision on my behalf!
Decide what is right!

3 You have scrutinized my inner motives;
you have examined me during the night.
You have carefully evaluated me, but you find no sin.
I am determined I will say nothing sinful.

4 As for the actions of people –
just as you have commanded,
I have not followed in the footsteps of violent men.

5 I carefully obey your commands;
I do not deviate from them.

6 I call to you for you will answer me, O God.
Listen to me!
Hear what I say!

7 Accomplish awesome, faithful deeds,
you who powerfully deliver those who look to you for protection from their enemies.

8 Protect me as you would protect the pupil of your eye!
Hide me in the shadow of your wings!

9 Protect me from the wicked men who attack me,
my enemies who crowd around me for the kill.

10 They are calloused;
they speak arrogantly.

11 They attack me, now they surround me;
they intend to throw me to the ground.

12 He is like a lion that wants to tear its prey to bits,
like a young lion crouching in hidden places.

13 Rise up, Lord!
Confront him! Knock him down!
Use your sword to rescue me from the wicked man!

14 Lord, use your power to deliver me from these murderers,
from the murderers of this world!
They enjoy prosperity;
you overwhelm them with the riches they desire.
They have many children,
and leave their wealth to their offspring.

15 As for me, because I am innocent I will see your face;
when I awake you will reveal yourself to me.