Psalm 17

LORD, hear my righteous plea

and listen to my cry;

It does not rise deceitfully

or come from lips that lie.

Declare me innocent

and vindicate my name;

LORD, may your eye see what is right

and free me from all blame.

Though you examine me

and probe my heart and mind,

And though you test me in the night,

yet nothing you will find.

I said, “I will not sin

in anything I say.”

From those who practise violence

I have kept far away.

From every evil path

by your word I’m preserved.

My feet have held to all your ways;

from them I have not swerved.

I call on you, O God,

for you will answer me;

O turn your ear towards my prayer

and hear my earnest plea.

Display your steadfast love

and save with your right hand

All those who flee for help to you

when foes against them stand.

In shadow of your wings

hide me in times of strife;

And as the apple of your eye

preserve and guard my life.

Hide me from ruthless foes

who follow wicked ways,

From those who circle me about

and seek to end my days.

They close their callous hearts;

they speak with swelling pride.

They dog my steps; my enemies

are found on every side.

They fix their eyes on me

to cast me to the ground.

Like hungry lions stalking prey,

they crouch without a sound.

Arise, confront my foes

and bring them down, O LORD;

Deliver me from wicked hands

and free me by your sword.

Save me by your right hand

from all such people, LORD,

From mortal men who in this life

will have their sole reward.

You fill them with good things;

their sons are satisfied.

They leave their children all the wealth

which they have set aside.

But I in righteousness

your face will surely see;

And with your likeness, when I wake,

I satisfied will be.