Psalms 17

A prayer of David.

1Hear, O Yahweh, a just cause; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips without deceit.

2May my vindication come from before you; may your eyes behold what is right.

3You have examined my heart; you have visited me by night; you have tested me and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth will not transgress.

4As for what people do, by the word of your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent.

5Keep my steps in your paths, so that my feet do not slip.

6I call on you, for you answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my word.

7Show the wonder of your steadfast love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge from their adversaries.

8Keep me like the pupil of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

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

10They close up their fat hearts; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

11At every step they now surround me; they fix their eyes to bring me down to the ground.

12He is like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion sitting in hiding places.

13Rise up, O Yahweh; confront him, bring him low; deliver my life from the wicked by your sword.

14from men by your hand, O Yahweh, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life. You fill their bellies with your stored-up treasure; they are satisfied with sons, and they leave their abundance to their children.

15As for me, in righteousness I will behold your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with your likeness.