Psalm 16–17

Psalm 16

A psalm of David.

¹Keep me safe, O God,

for I have come to you for refuge.

²I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!

Every good thing I have comes from you.”

³The godly people in the land

are my true heroes!

I take pleasure in them!

⁴Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.

I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood

or even speak the names of their gods.

⁵Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.

You guard all that is mine.

⁶The land you have given me is a pleasant land.

What a wonderful inheritance!

⁷I will bless the Lord who guides me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

⁸I know the Lord is always with me.

I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

⁹No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.

My body rests in safety.

¹⁰For you will not leave my soul among the dead

or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.

¹¹You will show me the way of life,

granting me the joy of your presence

and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

¹O Lord, hear my plea for justice.

Listen to my cry for help.

Pay attention to my prayer,

for it comes from honest lips.

²Declare me innocent,

for you see those who do right.

³You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.

You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.

I am determined not to sin in what I say.

⁴I have followed your commands,

which keep me from following cruel and evil people.

⁵My steps have stayed on your path;

I have not wavered from following you.

⁶I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.

Bend down and listen as I pray.

⁷Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.

By your mighty power you rescue

those who seek refuge from their enemies.

⁸Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.

Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

⁹Protect me from wicked people who attack me,

from murderous enemies who surround me.

¹⁰They are without pity.

Listen to their boasting!

¹¹They track me down and surround me,

watching for the chance to throw me to the ground.

¹²They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart—

like young lions hiding in ambush.

¹³Arise, O Lord!

Stand against them, and bring them to their knees!

Rescue me from the wicked with your sword!

¹⁴By the power of your hand, O Lord,

destroy those who look to this world for their reward.

But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones.

May their children have plenty,

leaving an inheritance for their descendants.

¹⁵Because I am righteous, I will see you.

When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.