Psalm 17
Hear my just cause, O Lord, give heed to my cry
: listen to my prayer, that comes from no lying lips.
Let judgement for me come forth from your presence
: and let your eyes discern the right.
Though you search my heart, and visit me in the night-time
: though you try me by fire, you will find no wickedness in me.
My mouth does not transgress, like the mouth of others
: for I have kept the word of your lips.
My steps have held firm in the way of your commands
: and my feet have not stumbled from your paths.
I call upon you, O God, for you will surely answer
: incline your ear to me, and hear my words.
Show me the wonders of your steadfast love,
O saviour of those who come to you for refuge
: who by your right hand deliver them
from those that rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of your eye
: hide me under the shadow of your wings,
From the onslaught of the wicked
: from my enemies that encircle me to take my life.
They have closed their hearts to pity
: and their mouths speak proud things.
They advance upon me, they surround me on every side
: watching how they may bring me to the ground,
Like a lion that is greedy for its prey
: like a lion’s whelp lurking in hidden places.
Arise, O Lord, stand in their way and cast them down
: deliver me from the wicked by your sword.
[Slay them by your hand, O Lord, slay them,
so that they perish from the earth
: destroy them from among the living.]
But as for your cherished ones, let their bellies be filled
and let their sons be satisfied
: let them pass on their wealth to their children.
And I also shall see your face, because my cause is just
: when I awake and see you as you are, I shall be satisfied.