Psalms 17
1 [A Prayer by David.] Hear, Jehovah, my righteous plea; Give ear to my prayer, that doesn't go out of 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 sentence come forth from your presence. Let your eyes look on equity.
Be my judge; for your eyes see what is right.
3 You have proved my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me, and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey.
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 works of men, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself 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 your paths. My feet have not slipped.
I have kept my feet in your ways, my steps have not been turned away.
6 I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to 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 Show your marvelous loving kindness, you who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.
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 your eye. Hide 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 wicked who oppress me, my deadly enemies, who surround me.
From the evil-doers who are violent to me, and from those who are round me, desiring my death.
10 They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly.
They are shut up in their fat: with their mouths they say words of pride.
11 They have tracked me down; suddenly they surround me. They watch closely, crouching down to the ground.
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 greedy of his prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
Like a lion desiring its food, and like a young lion waiting in secret places.
13 Arise, Jehovah, confront him. Cast him down. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword;
Up! Lord, come out against him, make him low, with your sword be my saviour from the evil-doer.
14 from men with your hand, Jehovah, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure. They are satisfied with children, and they leave their wealth to their little ones.
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 see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.
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.
