Psalms 17

1A Prayer of David. Hearken, O Lord of my righteousness, attend to my petition; give ear to my prayer not [uttered] with deceitful lips.

2Let my judgment come forth from thy presence; let mine eyes behold righteousness.

3Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited [me] by night; thou hast tried me as with fire, and unrighteousness has not been found in me: [I am purposed] that my mouth shall not speak [amiss].

4As for the works of men, by the words of thy lips I have guarded [myself from] hard ways.

5Direct my steps in thy paths, that my steps slip not.

6I have cried, for thou heardest me, O God: incline thine ear to me, and hearken to my words.

7Shew the marvels of thy mercies, thou that savest them that hope in thee.

8Keep me as the apple of the eye from those that resist thy right hand: thou shalt screen me by the covering of thy wings,

9from the face of the ungodly that have afflicted me: mine enemies have compassed about my soul.

10They have enclosed [themselves with] their own fat: their mouth has spoken pride.

11They have now cast me out and compassed me round about: they have set their eyes [so as] to bow them down to the ground.

12They laid wait for me as a lion ready for prey, and like a lion's whelp dwelling in secret [places].

13Arise, O Lord, prevent them, and cast them down: deliver my soul from the ungodly: [draw] thy sword,

14because of the enemies of thine hand: O Lord, destroy them from the earth; scatter them in their life, though their belly has been filled with thy hidden [treasures]: they have been satisfied with uncleanness, and have left the remnant [of their possessions] to their babes.

15But I shall appear in righteousness before thy face: I shall be satisfied when thy glory appears.