Psalm

17 Hear my plea for justice, O Jehovah;

Pay attention to my cry for help;

Listen to my prayer spoken without deceit.+

 2 May you make a just decision in my behalf;+

May your eyes see what is right.

 3 You have examined my heart, you have inspected me by night;+

You have refined me;+

You will find that I have not schemed anything bad,

And my mouth has not transgressed.

 4 As for the activities of men,

In accord with the word of your lips, I avoid the paths of the robber.+

 5 Let my steps stay on your tracks

So that my feet will not stumble.+

 7 Show your loyal love in a wonderful way,+

O Savior of those seeking refuge at your right hand

From those who rebel against you.

 8 Guard me like the pupil of your eye;+

Conceal me in the shadow of your wings.+

 9 Guard me from the wicked who attack me,

From my mortal enemies* who surround me.+

10 They have become insensitive;*

With their mouth they speak arrogantly;

11 Now they hem us in;+

They watch for the chance to cause our downfall.*

12 He is like a lion eager to tear its prey to pieces,

Like a young lion crouching in ambush.

13 Rise up, O Jehovah, to confront him+ and bring him down;

Rescue me* from the wicked with your sword;

14 Rescue me with your hand, O Jehovah,

From men of this world,* whose share is in this life,+

Those whom you fill with the good things you provide+

And who leave an inheritance to their many sons.

15 But as for me, in righteousness I will see your face;

I am satisfied to awaken in your presence.*+