Psalm 17
A Prayer by David.
1 Hear,
LORD, my
righteous plea.
Give ear to
my prayer
that doesn’t go
out of deceitful
lips.
2 Let my
sentence come out
of your presence.
Let your eyes
look on equity.
3 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 deeds
of men, by the
word of your
lips,
I have kept myself
from the ways
of the violent.
5 My
steps have held
fast to your paths.
My feet have not
slipped.
6 I
have called on
you, for you
will answer me,
God.
Turn your ear
to me.
Hear my speech.
7 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 your
eye.
Hide me under the
shadow of your
wings,
9 from
the wicked who
oppress me,
my deadly enemies,
who surround me.
10 They
close up
their callous hearts.
With their mouth
they speak proudly.
11 They
have now
surrounded 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,
as it were a
young lion lurking
in secret places.
13 Arise,
LORD, confront him.
Cast him down.
Deliver my soul
from the wicked
by your sword,
14 from
men by your
hand, LORD,
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.
15 As
for me, I
shall see your
face in
righteousness.
I shall be
satisfied, when I
awake, with seeing
your form.