Psalms 17

Psalm 17

A Prayer for Protection

A prayer of David.

¹Lord, hear a just cause; pay attention to my cry; listen to my prayer — from lips free of deceit.²

³Let my vindication come from you, for you see what is right.⁴

⁵You have tested my heart; you have examined me at night. You have tried me and found nothing evil; I have determined that my mouth will not sin.⁶

⁷Concerning what people do: by the words from your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.⁸

⁹My steps are on your paths; my feet have not slipped.¹⁰

¹¹I call on you, God, because you will answer me; listen closely to me; hear what I say.¹²

¹³Display the wonders of your faithful love, Savior of all who seek refuge from those who rebel against your right hand.¹⁴

¹⁵Protect me as the pupil of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings¹⁶

¹⁷from the wicked who treat me violently, my deadly enemies who surround me.¹⁸

¹⁹They are uncaring; their mouths speak arrogantly.²⁰

²¹They advance against me; now they surround me. They are determined to throw me to the ground.²²

²³They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.²⁴

²⁵Rise up, Lord! Confront him; bring him down. With your sword, save me from the wicked.²⁶

²⁷With your hand, Lord, save me from men, from men of the world whose portion is in this life: You fill their bellies with what you have in store; their sons are satisfied, and they leave their surplus to their children.²⁸

²⁹But I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence.³⁰