16
(17) A prayer of David.
1 Listen, O Lord * of my righteousness, attend to my petition; give ear to my prayer not uttered with deceitful lips.
2 Let my judgement come forth from your presence; let my eyes behold righteousness.
3 You have tested my heart; you have visited me by night; you have 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 your lips I have † guarded myself from hard ways.
5 Direct my steps in your paths, that my steps slip not.
6 I have cried, for you heard me, O God: incline your ear to me, and listen to my words.
7 Show the marvels of your mercies, you that save them that hope in you.
8 Keep me as the apple of the eye from those that resist your right hand: you shall screen me by the covering of your wings,
9 from the face of the ungodly that have afflicted me: my 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 your sword,
14 because of the enemies of your hand: O Lord, destroy them from the earth; scatter them in their life, though their belly has been filled with your 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 your face: I shall be satisfied when your glory appears.
* 16:1 Or, to my righteous plea, etc. † 16:4 Lit. I have observed hard ways. ‡ 16:14 Alex. children.