Psalms 17 David asks God to protect him from his enemies; he trusts in his innocence and in God's justice

 Psalms 17

David asks God to protect him from his enemies; he trusts in his innocence and in God's justice

1 Hear justice, O Lord; consider my cry; give ear to my prayer, which is not uttered from deceitful lips.

2 Let my sentence go forth from before your face; let your eyes be attentive to reason.

3 You have tested my heart; you have visited me in the night; you have examined me, but found nothing; what I have thought, my mouth will not transgress.

4 As for the ways of men, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the paths of the destroyer.

5 Direct my steps in your ways, so that my footsteps do not slip.

6 I have called upon you, O God, because you will hear me; incline your ear to me, and hear my words. 

7 Show wonderful love, you who save those who trust in you from those who rise up against your right hand. 

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 hide themselves in their fatness; with their mouths they speak proudly. 

11 They have made atonement for our steps; they have set their eyes on us to cast us down to the ground. 

12 They are like a lion tearing its prey, like a young lion hiding in hiding. 

13 Arise, O Lord, stop him, cast him down; deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword. 

14 From men, with your hand, O Lord, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life, and whose bellies you fill with your hidden treasure; their children are satisfied, and they give their portions to their children.

15 As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with your likeness when I awake.