Psalm 17

A Prayer of David.

1 Hear the right, O Jehovah, attend unto my cry; give ear unto my prayer, which is not out of feigned lips. 2 Let my judgment come forth from thy presence, let thine eyes regard equity. 3 Thou hast proved my heart, thou hast visited me by night; thou hast tried me, thou hast found nothing: my thought goeth not beyond my word. 4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept from the paths of the violent man. 5 When thou holdest my goings in thy paths, my footsteps slip not. 6 I have called upon thee, for thou answerest me, O •God. Incline thine ear unto me, hear my speech. 7 Shew wondrously thy loving-kindnesses, O thou that savest by thy right hand them that trust in thee from those that rise up against them.

8  Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, 9  From the wicked that destroy me, my deadly enemies, who compass me about. 10  They are enclosed in their own fat; with their mouth they speak proudly. 11  They have now encompassed us in our steps; their eyes have they set, bowing down to the earth. 12  He is like a lion that is greedy of its prey, and as a young lion lurking in secret places. 13  Arise, Jehovah, anticipate him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, thy sword; 14  From men who are thy hand, O Jehovah, from men of this age: their portion is in this life, and their belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure; they have their fill of sons, and leave the rest of their substance to their children. 15  As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.