17
1 A prayer of David.
Hear, O LORD, my righteous plea;
listen to my cry.
Give ear to my prayer—
it comes from lips free of deceit.
2 May my vindication come from your presence;
may your eyes see what is right.
3 You have tried my heart;
you have visited me in the night.
You have tested me and found no evil;
I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.
4 As for the deeds of men—
by the word of your lips
I have avoided the ways of the violent.
5 My steps have held to your paths;
my feet have not slipped.
6 I call on you, O God,
for you will answer me.
Incline your ear to me;
hear my words.
7 Show the wonders of your loving devotion,
you who save by your right hand
those who seek refuge from their foes.
8 Keep me as the apple of*17:8 Literally as the pupil, the daughter of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10 They have closed their callous hearts;
their mouths speak with arrogance.
11 They have tracked us down, and now surround us;†17:11 Qere; Ketiv me
their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,
12 like a lion greedy for prey,
like a young lion lurking in ambush.
13 Arise, O LORD, confront them!
Bring them to their knees;
deliver me from the wicked by your sword,
14 from such men, O LORD, by your hand—
from men of the world
whose portion is in this life.
May you fill the bellies of your treasured ones‡17:14 Or May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies and satisfy their sons,
so they leave their abundance to their children.
15 As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I will be satisfied in your presence.