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.

²Declare 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.

⁴I have followed your commands,

which keep me from following cruel and evil people.

⁵My 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.

⁷Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.

By your mighty power you rescue

those who seek refuge from their enemies.

⁸Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.^a

Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

⁹Protect me from wicked people who attack me,

from murderous enemies who surround me.

¹⁰They are without pity.

Listen to their boasting!

¹¹They track me down and surround me,

watching for the chance to throw me to the ground.

¹²They 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!

¹⁴By 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.

¹⁵Because I am righteous, I will see you.

When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied.