Psalm 17
Exaudi, Domine
1
Hear the right, O Lord, consider my complaint *
and hearken unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
2
Let my sentence come forth from thy presence *
and let thine eyes look upon the thing that is equal.
3
Thou hast proved and visited mine heart in the night-season; thou hast tried me, and shalt find no wickedness in me *
for I am utterly purposed that my mouth shall not offend.
4
Because of men’s works, that are done against the words of thy lips *
I have kept me from the ways of the destroyer.
5
O hold thou up my goings in thy paths *
that my footsteps slip not.
6
I have called upon thee, O God, for thou shalt hear me *
incline thine ear to me, and hearken unto my words.
7
Shew thy marvellous loving-kindness, thou that art the Saviour of them which put their trust in thee *
from such as resist thy right hand.
8
Keep me as the apple of an eye *
hide me under the shadow of thy wings.
9
From the ungodly that trouble me *
mine enemies compass me round about to take away my soul.
10
They are inclosed in their own fat *
and their mouth speaketh proud things.
11
They lie waiting in our way on every side *
turning their eyes down to the ground.
12
Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey *
and as it were a lion’s whelp, lurking in secret places.
13
Up, Lord, disappoint him, and cast him down *
deliver my soul from the ungodly, which is a sword of thine;
14
From the men of thy hand, O Lord, from the men, I say, and from the evil world *
which have their portion in this life, whose bellies thou fillest with thy hid treasure.
15
They have children at their desire *
and leave the rest of their substance for their babes.
16
But as for me, I will behold thy presence in righteousness *
and when I awake up after thy likeness, I shall be satisfied with it.