Psalms 17

1 A Prayer of David. Lord, listen to my justice, attend to my supplication. Pay attention to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.

A Prayer. Of David. Let my cause come to your ears, O Lord, give attention to my cry; give ear to my prayer which goes not out from false lips.

2 Let my judgment proceed from your presence. Let your eyes behold fairness.

Be my judge; for your eyes see what is right.

3 You have tested my heart and visited it by night. You have examined me by fire, and iniquity has not been found in me.

You have put my heart to the test, searching me in the night; you have put me to the test and seen no evil purpose in me; I will keep my mouth from sin.

4 Therefore, may my mouth not speak the works of men. I have kept to difficult ways because of the words of your lips.

As for the works of men, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

5 Perfect my steps in your paths, so that my footsteps may not be disturbed.

I have kept my feet in your ways, my steps have not been turned away.

6 I have cried out because you, O God, have listened to me. Incline your ear to me and heed my words.

My cry has gone up to you, for you will give me an answer, O God: let your ear be turned to me, and give attention to my words.

7 Make your mercies wonderful, for you save those who hope in you.

Make clear the wonder of your mercy, O saviour of those who put their faith in your right hand, from those who come out against them.

8 From those who resist your right hand, preserve me like the pupil of your eye. Protect me under the shadow of your wings,

Keep me as the light of your eyes, covering me with the shade of your wings,

9 from the face of the impious who have afflicted me. My enemies have surrounded my soul.

From the evil-doers who are violent to me, and from those who are round me, desiring my death.

10 They have concealed their fatness; their mouth has been speaking arrogantly.

They are shut up in their fat: with their mouths they say words of pride.

11 They have cast me out, and now they have surrounded me. They have cast their eyes down to the earth.

They have made a circle round our steps: their eyes are fixed on us, forcing us down to the earth;

12 They have taken me, like a lion ready for the prey, and like a young lion dwelling in hiding.

Like a lion desiring its food, and like a young lion waiting in secret places.

13 Rise up, O Lord, arrive before him and displace him. Deliver my soul from the impious one: your spear from the enemies of your hand.

Up! Lord, come out against him, make him low, with your sword be my saviour from the evil-doer.

14 Lord, divide them from the few of the earth in their life. Their gut has been filled from your hidden stores. They have been filled with sons, and they have bequeathed to their little ones the remainder.

With your hand, O Lord, from men, even men of the world, whose heritage is in this life, and whom you make full with your secret wealth: they are full of children; after their death their offspring take the rest of their goods.

15 But as for me, I will appear before your sight in justice. I will be satisfied when your glory appears.

As for me, I will see your face in righteousness: when I am awake it will be joy enough for me to see your form.