Psalms 17

17 ¹ Hear a just cause, my Father; attend to my cry; listen to my prayer from lips free of deceit. ² Let my vindication come from your presence; let your eyes see what is right.

³ You have searched my heart, you have examined me by night, you have tested me and found nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin. ⁴ As for the deeds of people, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the paths of the violent. ⁵ My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.

⁶ I call on you, for you will answer me, my Father; listen to me; hear my words. ⁷ Show the wonder of your covenant love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their enemies. ⁸ Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings ⁹ from the wicked who attack me, my deadly enemies who surround me.

¹⁰ They have closed their hardened hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance. ¹¹ They have tracked us down and now surround us; they fix their eyes to throw us to the ground. ¹² He is like a lion hungry to tear its prey, like a young lion crouching in ambush.

¹³ Rise up, my Father! Confront him, bring him down! Rescue my life from the wicked by your sword, ¹⁴ by your hand, my Father, from such people — from people of this world whose reward is in this life. You fill their belly with what you have stored up; their children have plenty, and they leave their abundance to their little ones.

¹⁵ As for me, I will see your face in righteousness; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.