Psalms 17:1-12 ▼

1 A prayer of David. Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer—it comes from lips free of deceit.

2 May my vindication come from Your presence; may Your eyes see what is right.

3 You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.

4 As for the deeds of men—by the word of Your lips I have avoided 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. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.

7 Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge 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 have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.

11 They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,

12 like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.