Psalm 17

A prayer of David. ¹O LORD, hear my plea for justice. Listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from honest lips. ² Declare me innocent, for you see those who do right.

³You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say. ⁴ I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. ⁵ My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you.

⁶I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. ⁷ Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. ⁸ Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hebrew as the pupil of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. ⁹ Protect me from wicked people who attack me, from murderous enemies who surround me. ¹⁰ They are without pity. Listen to their boasting! ¹¹ They track me down and surround me, watching for the chance to throw me to the ground. ¹² They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart— like young lions hiding in ambush.

¹³Arise, O LORD! Stand against them, and bring them to their knees! Rescue me from the wicked with your sword! ¹⁴ By the power of your hand, O LORD, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants. ¹⁵ Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.