Psalm 17

English Standard Version

1 A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit! (Ps 61:1; Ps 86:1; Ps 142:1; Ps 142:6; Jer 7:16)2 From your presence let my vindication come! Let your eyes behold the right! (Ps 26:1)3 You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress. (Jud 7:4; Job 23:10; Job 31:14; Job 33:15; Ps 16:7; Ps 139:1; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:2; 1Pe 1:7)4 With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.5 My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped. (Job 23:11; Ps 44:18)6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. (Ps 31:2; Ps 86:6; Ps 116:1)7 Wondrously show[1] your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. (Ps 31:21; Ps 44:5; Ps 59:1; Ps 139:21)8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, (De 32:10; Ru 2:12; Ps 36:7; Ps 57:1; Ps 63:7; Ps 91:4; Zec 2:8; Mt 23:37; Lu 13:34)9 from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me. (1Sa 23:26)10 They close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly. (1Sa 2:3; Ps 31:18; Ps 119:70)11 They have now surrounded our steps; they set their eyes to cast us to the ground. (Ps 62:4; Ps 89:51)12 He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush. (Ps 10:8)13 Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,14 from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life.[2] You fill their womb with treasure;[3] they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants. (Job 21:11; Ps 10:18; Mt 6:2; Mt 6:5; Mt 6:16; Lu 16:8; Lu 16:25; Lu 20:34)15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. (Job 33:26; Ps 11:7; Ps 16:11; Isa 26:19; Da 12:2; 1Jo 3:2)