Psalm 17

A Prayer by David.

Listen, YHWH, to my righteous plea. Open your ears to my prayer, it does not proceed from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from your presence. Let your eyes see with equity. You have tested my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have put me through the smelter me, but found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth will not cross into evil. As for the deeds of humanity, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your tracks. My feet have not slipped. I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear what I say. Distinguish yourself with your wonderful lovingkindness, you who save those who take refuge at your right hand from those who rebel. Protect me like the pupil of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the presence of the wicked who want to destroy me, my deadly enemies who surround me. They close up their callous hearts. Their mouths speak with arrogance. They have now surrounded us in our steps. They set their eyes to throw us down to the earth. They are like a lion eager to shred its prey, like a young lion lurking in hiding places. Rise up, YHWH! Confront them! Bring them down. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword. By your hand, YHWH, from people from people of the world whose portion is in this life. You will fill their belly with your stores. Their sons will have plenty, and they leave their abundance for their children. As for me, I will see your face in righteousness. I will be satisfied when I awake to see your likeness.