Psalms 17

¹A prayer of David. Hear, O LORD, my righteous cause; give heed to my cry; give ear to my prayer — from lips without deceit.

²From your presence let my vindication come forth; let your eyes see what is right.

³You have tested my heart; you have examined me by night; you have refined me — you find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.

⁴As for the deeds of men, by the word of your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent.

⁵My steps have held firm in your paths — my feet have not slipped.

⁶I have called to you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my word.

⁷Show wonderfully your steadfast love, O Savior of those who take refuge — from those who rise up, by your right hand.

⁹From the wicked who have devastated me — my deadly enemies who surround me.

¹¹Our steps—now they surround me, they encircle us; their eyes they set to cast down to the earth.

¹²His likeness — like a lion yearning to tear, / and like a young lion lurking in hiding places.