Psalms 17:1-15

Hear the just (righteous) cause, O LORD; listen to my loud [piercing] cry; Listen to my prayer, that comes from guileless lips. Let my verdict of vindication come from Your presence; May Your eyes look with equity and behold things that are just. You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night; You have tested me and You find nothing [evil in me]; I intend that my mouth will not transgress. Concerning the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept away from the paths of the violent. My steps have held closely to Your paths; My feet have not staggered. ¶I have called upon You, for You, O God, will answer me; Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech. Wondrously show Your [marvelous and amazing] lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand From those who rise up against them. Keep me [in Your affectionate care, protect me] as the apple of Your eye; Hide me in the [protective] shadow of Your wings From the wicked who despoil and deal violently with me, My deadly enemies who surround me. They have closed their unfeeling heart [to kindness and compassion]; With their mouths they speak proudly and make presumptuous claims. They track us down and have now surrounded us in our steps; They set their eyes to force us to the ground, He is like a lion eager to tear [his prey], And like a young lion lurking in hiding places. ¶Arise, O LORD, confront him, cast him down; Save my soul from the wicked with Your sword, From men with Your hand, O LORD, From men of the world [these moths of the night] whose portion [of enjoyment] is in this life—idle and vain, And whose belly You fill with Your treasure; They are satisfied with children, And they leave what they have left [of wealth] to their children. As for me, I shall see Your face in righteousness; I will be [fully] satisfied when I awake [to find myself] seeing Your likeness.