Psalm 17 - Modern English Version

A Prayer of David.

¹ Hear a just cause, O  Lord, attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer that is not from deceitful lips.

² Let my vindication come from Your presence; let Your eyes behold the things that are right.

³ You have tried my heart; You have visited me by night; You have tested me and found nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

⁴ Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips I have avoided the paths of the violent.

⁵ Keep my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.

⁶ I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God; incline Your ear to me, and hear my words.

⁷ Wondrously show Your lovingkindness by Your right hand, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries.

⁸ Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings,

⁹ from the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.

¹⁰ They close their hard hearts; with their mouths they speak proudly.

¹¹ They have now surrounded us in our steps; they have set their eyes to cast me to the ground,

¹² like a lion eager to rip its prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.

¹³ Arise, O  Lord! Confront him, cast him down! 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. You fill their belly with Your treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants.

¹⁵ As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness.