Psalms 17

1Hear, 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.