Psalm 17

A Prayer for Protection

A prayer of David.

Lord, hear a just cause;†

pay attention to my cry;

listen to my prayer —

from lips free of deceit.†

2Let my vindication come from you,

for you see what is right.†

3You 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.†

4Concerning what people do:

by the words from your lips

I have avoided the ways of the violent.†

5My steps are on your paths;

my feet have not slipped.†

6I call on you, God,

because you will answer me;†

listen closely to me; hear what I say.

7Display the wonders of your faithful love,†

Savior of all who seek refuge†

from those who rebel against your right hand.†

8Protect me as the pupil of your eye;†

hide me in the shadow of your wings†

9from† the wicked who treat me violently,†

my deadly enemies who surround me.†

10They are uncaring;† †

their mouths speak arrogantly.†

11They advance against me;† now they surround me.†

They are determined†

to throw me to the ground.†

12They are† like a lion eager to tear,

like a young lion lurking in ambush.†

13Rise up, Lord!

Confront him; bring him down.†

With your sword, save me from the wicked.†

14With 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.†

15But I will see your face in righteousness;†

when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence.† †