Psalm 17

A Prayer of David.

Hear a righteous cause, O Yahweh, give heed to my cry of lamentation;

Give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.

May my judgment come from Your presence;

May Your eyes behold what is upright.

You have tested my heart;

You have visited me by night;

You have tried me and You find nothing;

I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips

I have kept from the paths of the violent.

My steps have held fast to Your paths.

My footsteps have not stumbled.

I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God;

Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.

Marvelously show Your lovingkindnesses,

O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand

From those who rise up against them.

Keep me as the apple of the eye;

Hide me in the shadow of Your wings

From the wicked who devastate me,

My deadly enemies who surround me.

They have closed their unfeeling heart,

With their mouth they speak proudly.

They have now surrounded us in our steps;

They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground.

He is like a lion that is eager to tear,

And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.

Arise, O Yahweh, confront him, bring him low;

Protect my soul from the wicked with Your sword,

From men with Your hand, O Yahweh,

From men of the world, whose portion is in this life,

And whose belly You fill with Your treasure;

They are satisfied with children,

And leave their excess to their infants.

As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness;

I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.