16
1 A Prayer of David.
Hearken, O Lord *of my righteousness, attend to my petition; give ear to my prayer not uttered with deceitful lips. 2 Let my judgment come forth from thy presence; let mine eyes behold righteousness. 3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me by night; thou hast tried me as with fire, and unrighteousness has not been found in me: I am purposed that my mouth shall not speak amiss. 4 As for the works of men, by the words of thy lips I have †guarded myself from hard ways. 5 Direct my steps in thy paths, that my steps slip not.
6 I have cried, for thou heardest me, O God: incline thine ear to me, and hearken to my words. 7 Shew the marvels of thy mercies, thou that savest them that hope in thee. 8 Keep me as the apple of the eye from those that resist thy right hand: thou shalt screen me by the covering of thy wings, 9 from the face of the ungodly that have afflicted me: mine enemies have compassed about my soul. 10 They have enclosed themselves with their own fat: their mouth has spoken pride. 11 They have now cast me out and compassed me round about: they have set their eyes so as to bow them down to the ground. 12 They laid wait for me as a lion ready for prey, and like a lion's whelp dwelling in secret places. 13 Arise, O Lord, prevent them, and cast them down: deliver my soul from the ungodly: draw thy sword, 14 because of the enemies of thine hand: O Lord, destroy them from the earth; scatter them in their life, though their belly has been filled with thy hidden treasures: they have been satisfied with ‡uncleanness, and have left the remnant of their possessions to their babes.
15 But I shall appear in righteousness before thy face: I shall be satisfied when thy glory appears.
* 16:1 Or, to my righteous plea, etc. † 16:4 Lit. I have observed hard ways. ‡ 16:14 Alex. children.