Psalms 17
1 The prayer of David. Hear, O Lord, my justice: attend to my supplication. Give ear unto my prayer, which proceedeth not from deceitful lips.
A prayer of David. Lord, please hear my cry for justice! Please pay attention to my call for help! Listen to the prayer of an honest man!
2 Let my judgment come forth from thy countenance: let thy eyes behold the things that are equitable.
Vindicate me before you—for you see what is right.
3 Thou hast proved my heart, and visited it by night, thou hast tried me by fire: and iniquity hath not been found in me.
You have observed my thoughts, you have visited me at night, you have examined me—and you have found nothing wrong. I promised myself I wouldn't say anything I shouldn't.
4 That my mouth may not speak the works of men: for the sake of the words of thy lips, I have kept hard ways.
With regard to the actions of others: I have done what you told me and I have avoided what violent people do.
5 Perfect thou my goings in thy paths: that my footsteps be not moved.
I have not strayed from your path; my feet have not slipped from it.
6 I have cried to thee, for thou, O God, hast heard me: O incline thy ear unto me, and hear my words.
God, I call out to you because I know you will answer; please listen carefully to what I have to say.
7 Shew forth thy wonderful mercies; thou who savest them that trust in thee.
Show me how wonderful your trustworthy love really is, Savior of those who come to you for protection against their enemies!
8 From them that resist thy right hand keep me, as the apple of thy eye. Protect me under the shadow of thy wings.
Keep me safe as someone you love; hide me underneath your wings.
9 From the face of the wicked who have afflicted me. My enemies have surrounded my soul:
Protect me from the attacks of the wicked who want to destroy me, from my enemies who surround me, intent on killing me.
10 They have shut up their fat: their mouth hath spoken proudly.
They have no compassion, and all they have to say is pure arrogance.
11 They have cast me forth and now they have surrounded me: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth.
They hunt me down and surround me, looking for the chance to knock me down in the dust.
12 They have taken me, as a lion prepared for the prey; and as a young lion dwelling in secret places.
They are like lions, longing to tear their prey apart; like fierce lions crouching in ambush.
13 Arise, O Lord, disappoint him and supplant him; deliver my soul from the wicked one: thy sword
Lord, stand up and confront them! Force them to back down! By your sword rescue me from the wicked!
14 From the enemies of thy hand. O Lord, divide them from the few of the earth in their life: their belly is filled from thy hidden stores. They are full of children: and they have left to their little ones the rest of their substance.
Lord, by your power, save me from people whose only thought is for this world. May they be filled with what you have in store for them, their children too, with left-overs for their grandchildren!
15 But as for me, I will appear before thy sight in justice: I shall be satisfied when thy glory shall appear.
As for me, I shall see your face in all its goodness. When I awake, I will be so pleased to see you face to face.
