Shared Word Translation
Psalm 17
A Prayer for Vindication
Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
From your presence let my judgment come;
let your eyes behold what is right.
You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night;
you have tested me, and you find nothing;
I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.
As for the works of man, by the word of your lips
I have kept myself from the paths of the violent.
My steps have held fast to your tracks;
my feet have not slipped.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Show your steadfast love in wondrous ways,
O Savior of those who take refuge
from those who rise up against them at your right hand.
Keep me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
from the wicked who despoil me,
my deadly enemies who surround me.
They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
They have now surrounded our steps;
they set their eyes to cast us down to the ground.
He is like a lion eager to tear,
as a young lion lurking in hiding places.
Arise, O LORD! Confront him, bring him low;
deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,
from men by your hand, O LORD,
from men of the world whose portion is in this life.
You fill their womb with treasure;
they are satisfied with children,
and they leave their abundance to their infants.
As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.