Psalm 17 Common English Bible

Psalm 17

A prayer of David.

17 Listen to what’s right, Lord;
    pay attention to my cry!
Listen closely to my prayer;
    it’s spoken by lips that don’t lie!
²My justice comes from you;
    let your eyes see what is right!
³You have examined my heart,
    testing me at night.
You’ve looked me over closely,
    but haven’t found anything wrong.
    My mouth doesn’t sin.
⁴But these other people’s deeds?
    I have avoided such violent ways
    by the command from your lips.
⁵My steps are set firmly on your paths;
    my feet haven’t slipped.

⁶I cry out to you because you answer me.
    So tilt your ears toward me now—
    listen to what I’m saying!
⁷Manifest your faithful love in amazing ways
    because you are the one
    who saves those who take refuge in you,
    saving them from their attackers
    by your strong hand.
⁸Watch me with the very pupil of your eye!
    Hide me in the protection of your wings,
⁹        away from the wicked
            who are out to get me,
        away from my deadly enemies
            who are all around me!
¹⁰They have no pity;^[a]
    their mouths speak arrogantly.
¹¹They track me down—
    suddenly, they surround me!
    They make their plans to put me in the dirt.
¹²They are like a lion eager to rip its prey;
    they are like a strong young lion lying in wait.

¹³Get up, Lord!
    Confront them!
    Bring them down!
Rescue my life from the wicked—
    use your sword!
¹⁴Rescue me from these people—
    use your own hands, Lord!
Rescue me from these people
    whose only possession is their fleeting life.^[b]
But fill the stomachs of your cherished ones;
    let their children be filled full
    so that they have leftovers enough for their babies.