Psalm 17 (New International Version)

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

 ¹ Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea;
       listen to my cry.
       Give ear to my prayer—
       it does not rise from deceitful lips.

 ² May my vindication come from you;
       may your eyes see what is right.

 ³ Though you probe my heart and examine me at night,
       though you test me, you will find nothing;
       I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

 ⁴ As for the deeds of men—
       by the word of your lips
       I have kept myself
       from the ways of the violent.

 ⁵ My steps have held to your paths;
       my feet have not slipped.

 ⁶ I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
       give ear to me and hear my prayer.

 ⁷ Show the wonder of your great love,
       you who save by your right hand
       those who take refuge in you from their foes.

 ⁸ Keep me as the apple of your eye;
       hide me in the shadow of your wings

 ⁹ from the wicked who assail me,
       from my mortal enemies who surround me.

 ¹⁰ They close up their callous hearts,
       and their mouths speak with arrogance.

 ¹¹ They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
       with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

 ¹² They are like a lion hungry for prey,
       like a great lion crouching in cover.

 ¹³ Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down;
       rescue me from the wicked by your sword.

 ¹⁴ O LORD, by your hand save me from such men,
       from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
       You still the hunger of those you cherish;
       their sons have plenty,
       and they store up wealth for their children.

 ¹⁵ And I—in righteousness I will see your face;
       when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.