1A Prayer of David. Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.2Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.3Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.4Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.5Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.6I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.7Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them .8Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,9From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.10They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.11They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;12Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.13Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:14From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure : they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Psalm 17
New International Reader’s Version
A prayer of David.
1LORD, hear me, because I ask for what is right. Listen to my cry for help. Hear my prayer. It doesn’t come from lips that tell lies.2When you hand down your sentence, may it be in my favour. May your eyes see what is right.3Look deep down into my heart. Study me carefully at night and test me. You won’t find anything wrong. I have planned nothing evil. My mouth has not said sinful things.4Though evil people tried to pay me to do wrong, I have not done what they wanted. Instead I have done what you commanded.5My steps have stayed on your paths. My feet have not slipped.6My God, I call out to you because you will answer me. Listen to me. Hear my prayer.7Show me the wonders of your great love. By using your great power, you save those who go to you for safety from their enemies.8Take good care of me, just as you would take care of your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.9Save me from the sinful people who want to destroy me. Save me from my deadly enemies who are all around me.10They make their hearts hard and stubborn. Their mouths speak with pride.11They have tracked me down. They are all around me. Their eyes watch for a chance to throw me to the ground.12They are like a hungry lion, waiting to attack. They are like a powerful lion, hiding in the bushes.13LORD, rise up. Oppose them and bring them down. With your sword, save me from those evil people.14LORD, by your power save me from people like that. They belong to this world. They get their reward in this life. May what you have stored up for evil people fill their bellies. May their children’s stomachs be filled with it. And may there even be leftovers for their little ones.15You will show that I am right; I will enjoy your blessing. When I wake up, I will be satisfied because I will see you.