Psalm 17

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

Hear me,^a Lord, my plea is just;

listen to my cry.^b

Hear^c my prayer—

it does not rise from deceitful lips.^d

Let my vindication^e come from you;

may your eyes see what is right.^f

Though you probe my heart,^g

though you examine me at night and test me,^h

you will find that I have planned no evil;ⁱ

my mouth has not transgressed.^j

Though people tried to bribe me,

I have kept myself from the ways of the violent

through what your lips have commanded.

My steps have held to your paths;^k

my feet have not stumbled.^l

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;^m

turn your ear to meⁿ and hear my prayer.^o

Show me the wonders of your great love,^p

you who save by your right hand^q

those who take refuge^r in you from their foes.

Keep me^s as the apple of your eye;^t

hide me^u in the shadow of your wings^v

from the wicked who are out to destroy me,

from my mortal enemies who surround me.^w

They close up their callous hearts,^x

and their mouths speak with arrogance.^y

They have tracked me down, they now surround me,^z

with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

They are like a lion^a hungry for prey,^b

like a fierce lion crouching in cover.

Rise up,^c Lord, confront them, bring them down;^d

with your sword rescue me from the wicked.

By your hand save me from such people, Lord,

from those of this world^e whose reward is in this life.^f

May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies;

may their children gorge themselves on it,

may there be leftovers^g for their little ones.

As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face;

when I awake,^h I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.ⁱ