Psalm 17 — The Prayer of an Innocent Man

1 O Lord, hear my righteous cause. pay attention to my cry. give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips. 2 Let my judgment come forth from You. let Your eyes see what is right. 3 You tested my heart and examined me in the night. You refined me with fire and found no unrighteousness in me. I have purposed in my mind that my mouth will not transgress. 4 In the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I keep myself from the paths of violent men. 5 Establish my steps on Your paths, so that my feet do not slip. 6 I call on You, that You may hear me, O God. Incline Your ear toward me. hear my words. 7 Show Your great love, You who by Your right hand save those who take refuge in You from their enemies. 8 Keep me like the pupil of Your eye. cover me under the shadow of Your wings. 9 From the wicked who afflict me, from the enemies of my soul who have surrounded me. 10 They have closed their fattened heart. with their mouth they speak arrogantly. 11 They surrounded us on all four sides of our path. they fixed their eyes on us, to throw us down to the ground. 12 He is like a lion that wants to tear apart, and like a young lion that lies in ambush in hidden places. 13 Rise up, Lord, confront him and bring him down. Deliver my soul from the hand of the wicked by Your sword. 14 By Your hand, O Lord, save me from men, from the men of this world, whose portion is in this life. You fill their belly with Your treasures. their sons also are satisfied, and they leave what remains to their children. 15 But as for me, in righteousness I will see Your face, and when I awake, I will be satisfied with Your likeness.