Psalm 17

A Prayer for Protection

A prayer of David.

Lord, hear a just cause;a

pay attention to my cry;

listen to my prayer —

from lips free of deceit.b

2Let my vindication come from you,

for you see what is right.a

3You have tested my heart;a

you have examined me at night.

You have tried me and found nothing evil;b

I have determined that my mouth will not sin.A

4Concerning what people do:

by the words from your lips

I have avoided the ways of the violent.a

5My steps are on your paths;

my feet have not slipped.a

6I call on you, God,

because you will answer me;a

listen closely to me; hear what I say.

7Display the wonders of your faithful love,a

Savior of all who seek refugeb

from those who rebel against your right hand.A

8Protect me as the pupil of your eye;a

hide me in the shadow of your wingsb

9fromA the wicked who treat me violently,B

my deadly enemies who surround me.a

10They are uncaring;a a

their mouths speak arrogantly.b

11They advance against me;A now they surround me.a

They are determinedB

to throw me to the ground.b

12They areA like a lion eager to tear,

like a young lion lurking in ambush.a

13Rise up, Lord!

Confront him; bring him down.a

With your sword, save me from the wicked.b

14With your hand, Lord, save me from men,

from men of the world

whose portion is in this life:

You fill their bellies with what you have in store;

their sons are satisfied,

and they leave their surplus to their children.a

15But I will see your face in righteousness;a

when I awake, I will be satisfied with your presence.a b