Psalm 17

Hear my plea for justice, Jehovah;
Heed my cry, listen to my prayer,
For it comes from lips that know not lies.
Since you can see what is right and true,
Your judgment must be in my favor.

Though you lay bare the desires of my heart
And examine the dreams I dream at night,
Though you test and probe and scrutinize me,
You will find no wickedness within me.
I speak not lies as others are wont to do;
I have not trod the path of violence,
But have followed the way that you command.
I have held fast and my foot has not slipped.

I call to you, my god, sure of your reply.
Lend me your ear and listen to what I say!
Show me your wondrous love and loyalty.
Save me, take me to your side as you do
Those who seek refuge from their enemies.

Keep me under your protective eye;
Hide me under your sheltering wing;
Save me from my evil oppressors
And the deadly foes all around me,
For their hearts are closed to pity
And their mouths boast arrogantly.
They have tracked me down and surround me,
Intent upon taking me down
And tearing my flesh like a lion. ---
There they couch like a young lion
In cover, awaiting the ambush!

Rise up, Jehovah!  Attack them!
Conquer them!  And, by force of arms,
Deliver me from the wicked!

Use your power, Jehovah, to spare me
From such men, men of the material world
Whose reward is only in the here and now.
Let them fill themselves with your hidden stores;
Let their sons feast upon the surpluses
And have enough to pass on to their children.
But as for me, I am well satisfied,
If you judge me righteous, to behold your face
Or awaken with a vision of you.