Old Testament · Psalms

Psalms 17

Hear My Righteous Plea

1A prayer of David. Hear, O LORD, the right; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer, without lips of deceit.
2From before you let my judgment^a come forth; let your eyes behold uprightness.
3You have tried my heart, you have visited by night, you have refined me; you find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4As for the deeds of man^b, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the paths of the violent.
5My steps have held to your tracks; my feet have not slipped.
6As for me, I have called you, for you answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my speech.
7Make marvelous your kindnesses, O savior^c of those who take refuge from those who rise up, by your right hand.
8Keep me as the apple of the daughter of the eye; in the shadow of your wings hide me,
9From before the wicked who despoil me, my enemies against the soul^d, they compass me about.
10Their fat they have closed up; with their mouth they speak in pride.
11Our steps — now they have surrounded us; they set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.
12His likeness is as a lion that longs to tear, and as a young lion sitting in secret places.
13Arise, O LORD, confront his face, make him bow down; deliver my soul from the wicked one, your sword;
14From men, by your hand, O LORD, from men of the world, whose portion is in life^e; and your treasure, you fill their belly; their sons are satisfied, and they leave their abundance to their little ones.
15As for me, in righteousness I shall behold your face; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with your likeness.