Psalm 17

1 Hear a just cause, O Lord,

Prayer with Confidence in Final SalvationA Prayer of David. Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer which is not from deceitful lips.

2 Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.3 You have tested my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.4 Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.5 Uphold my steps in Your paths, That my footsteps may not slip.6 I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.7 Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them. 8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,9 From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me.10 They have closed up their fat hearts; With their mouths they speak proudly.11 They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,12 As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.13 Arise, O Lord, Confront him, cast him down; Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,14 With Your hand from men, O Lord, From men of the world who have their portion in this life, And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their possession for their babes.15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.

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.