Psalms 17

1 “A prayer of David.” Hear, O Lord, [the cause of] righteousness, attend unto my entreaty, give ear unto my prayer, coming from lips without deceit.

2 Let from thy presence my sentence come forth; let thy eyes behold what is right.

3 Thou hast proved my heart; thou hast thought of me in the night; thou hast refined me—thou couldst find nothing: my purpose doth not pass beyond [the words of] my mouth.

4 Among the deeds of men did I observe, by the word of thy lips, the paths of the dissolute.

5 My steps held firmly to thy tracks, [and] my footsteps did not slip.

6 I call on thee, for thou wilt answer me, O God: incline thy ear unto me, hear my speech.

7 Show marvelously thy loving-kindnesses, O thou that savest those who put their trust [in thee] from those that rise up [against them] by thy right hand.

8 Keep me as the apple of the eye; conceal me under the shadow of thy wings,

9 From the wicked that despoil me, my enemies, who, to take my life, compass me about.

10 They are enclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

11 On our steps they now encompass us: they direct their eyes to turn aside in the land.

12 Every man is just like a lion that is greedy to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in a covert.

13 Arise, O Lord, prevent him, cast him down; deliver my soul from the wicked, who is thy sword, —

14 From these men—thy hand—O Lord, from the men of this world, whose portion is in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hidden treasure: they have children in plenty, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

15 As for me, in righteousness shall I behold thy face: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with contemplating thy likeness.