Psalms 17

1 A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry; give ear unto my prayer from lips without deceit.

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 come forth from Thy presence; let Thine eyes behold equity.

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

3 Thou hast tried my heart, Thou hast visited it in the night; Thou hast tested me, and Thou findest not that I had a thought which should not pass my mouth.

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 As for the doings of men, by the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the violent.

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

5 My steps have held fast to Thy paths, my feet have not slipped.

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

6 As for me, I call upon Thee, for Thou wilt answer me, O God; incline Thine ear unto me, hear my speech.

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 passing great Thy mercies, O Thou that savest by Thy right hand from assailants them that take refuge in Thee.

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 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me in the shadow of Thy wings,

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

9 From the wicked that oppress, my deadly enemies, that compass me about.

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

10 Their gross heart they have shut tight, with their mouth they speak proudly.

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

11 At our every step they have now encompassed us; they set their eyes to cast us 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 He is like a lion that is eager to tear in pieces, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.

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

13 Arise, O LORD, confront him, cast him down; deliver my soul from the wicked, by Thy sword;

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

14 From men, by Thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life, and whose belly Thou fillest with Thy treasure; who have children in plenty, and leave their abundance to their babes.

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 As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.

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.