Psalm 17

A Prayer for Protection

A prayer of David.

17Lord, hear me begging for fairness;

listen to my cry for help.

Pay attention to my prayer,

because I speak the truth.

²You will judge that I am right;

your eyes can see what is true.

³You have examined my heart;

you have tested me all night.

You questioned me without finding anything wrong;

I have not sinned with my mouth.

⁴I have obeyed your commands,

so I have not done what evil people do.

⁵I have done what you told me;

I have not failed.

⁶I call to you, God,

and you answer me.

Listen to me now,

and hear what I say.

⁷Your love is wonderful.

By your power you save those who trust you

from their enemies.

⁸Protect me as you would protect your own eye.

Hide me under the shadow of your wings.

⁹Keep me from the wicked who attack me,

from my enemies who surround me.

¹⁰They are selfish

and brag about themselves.

¹¹They have chased me until they have surrounded me.

They plan to throw me to the ground.

¹²They are like lions ready to kill;

like lions, they sit in hiding.

¹³Lord, rise up, face the enemy, and throw them down.

Save me from the wicked with your sword.

¹⁴Lord, save me by your power

from those whose reward is in this life.

They have plenty of food.

They have many sons

and leave much money to their children.

¹⁵Because I have lived right, I will see your face.

When I wake up, I will see your likeness and be satisfied.