Psalms - Chapter 17

The Righteous One Asks God to judge Him

¹ A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O LORD, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer [which is] not from deceitful lips.

² Let my vindication come from Your presence; Let Your eyes look on the things that are upright.

³ You have tested my heart; You have visited [me] in the night; You have tried me and have found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

⁴ Concerning the works of men, By the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer.

⁵ Uphold my steps in Your paths, [That] my footsteps may not slip.

Asks for Help Against Enemies

⁶ I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, [and] hear my speech.

⁷ Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust [in You] From those who rise up [against them.]

⁸ Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,

⁹ From the wicked who oppress me, [From] my deadly enemies who surround me.

¹⁰ They have closed up their fat [hearts;] With their mouths they speak proudly.

¹¹ They have now surrounded us in our steps; They have set their eyes, crouching down to the earth,

¹² As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.

¹³ Arise, O LORD, Confront him, cast him down; Deliver my life from the wicked with Your sword,

¹⁴ With Your hand from men, O LORD, From men of the world [who have] their portion in [this] life, And whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, And leave the rest of their [possession] for their babes.

¹⁵ As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.