Psalms 17

Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!

From you let my vindication come! Let your eyes see the right!

If you try my heart, if you visit me by night, if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me; my mouth does not transgress.

With regard to the works of men, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.

My steps have held fast to your paths, my feet have not slipped.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words.

Wondrously show your mercies, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.

Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,

from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me.

They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.

They track me down; now they surround me; they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.

They are like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.

Arise, O Lord! confront them, overthrow them! Deliver my life from the wicked by your sword,

from men by your hand, O Lord, from men whose portion in life is of the world. May their belly be filled with what you have stored up for them; may their children have more than enough; may they leave something over to their babies.

As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with beholding your form.