Psalms 17

1A Prayer by David. Hear, Yahweh, my righteous plea. Give ear to my prayer that doesn’t go out of deceitful lips.

2Let my sentence come out of your presence. Let your eyes look on equity.

3You 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.

4As for the deeds of men, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

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

6I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech.

7Show your marvelous loving kindness, you who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.

8Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings,

9from the wicked who oppress me, my deadly enemies, who surround me.

10They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly.

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

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

13Arise, Yahweh, confront him. Cast him down. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,

14from men by your hand, Yahweh, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life. You fill the belly of your cherished ones. Your sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.

15As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.