Psalms 17

A Prayer for Protection and Justice from God

2 min read

1

Hear the right, O LORD, attend to my cry, give ear to my prayer, that goes not out of feigned lips.

 2

Let my sentence come forth from your presence; let your eyes behold the things that are equal.

 3

You have proved my heart; you have visited me in the night; you have tried me, and shall find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

 4

Concerning the works of men, by the word of your lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

 5

Hold up my goings in your paths, that my footsteps slip not.

 6

I have called on you, for you will hear me, O God: incline your ear to me, and hear my speech.

 7

Show your marvelous loving kindness, O you that save by your right hand them which put their trust in you from those that rise up against them.

 8

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of your wings,

 9

From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

 10

They are enclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

 11

They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;

 12

Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

 13

Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is your sword:

 14

From men which are your hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly you fill with your hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

 15

As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with your likeness.