Psalm 17

¹A prayer of David. Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer — [it comes] from lips free of deceit.

²May my vindication come from Your presence; may Your eyes see what is right.

³You have tried my heart; You have visited [me] in the night. You have tested me and found no [evil]; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.

⁴As for the deeds of men — by the word of Your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

⁵My steps have held to Your paths; my feet have not slipped.

⁶I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.

⁷Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes.

⁸Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings

⁹from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

¹⁰They have closed their callous [hearts]; their mouths speak with arrogance.

¹¹They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast [us] to the ground,

¹²like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.

¹³Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,

¹⁴from such men, O LORD, by Your hand — from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured [ones] and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children.

¹⁵As for me, I will behold Your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied in Your presence.