Ps 17

1 A prayer of David. - Hearken, O Lord Or, to my righteous plea, etc. 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 mine eyes behold righteousness. 3 You has proved mine 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 Lit. I have observed hard ways 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 hearken to my words. 7 Shew 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: 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 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 Alex. children 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.