Psalm 16

Conserva me, Domine

Protect me, O God, for I take refuge in you; *

I have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord,

my good above all other.”

All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *

upon those who are noble among the people.

But those who run after other gods *

shall have their troubles multiplied.

Their libations of blood I will not offer, *

nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.

O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *

it is you who uphold my lot.

My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *

indeed, I have a goodly heritage.

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *

my heart teaches me, night after night.

I have set the Lord always before me; *

because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.

My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *

my body also shall rest in hope.

For you will not abandon me to the grave, *

nor let your holy one see the Pit.

You will show me the path of life; *

in your presence there is fullness of joy,

and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 17

Exaudi, Domine

Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord;

give heed to my cry; *

listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.

Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *

let your eyes be fixed on justice.

Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *

melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.

I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *

I have heeded the words of your lips.

My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *

in your paths my feet shall not stumble.

I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *

incline your ear to me and hear my words.

Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *

O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand

from those who rise up against them.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; *

hide me under the shadow of your wings,

From the wicked who assault me, *

from my deadly enemies who surround me.

They have closed their heart to pity, *

and their mouth speaks proud things.

They press me hard,

now they surround me, *

watching how they may cast me to the ground,

Like a lion, greedy for its prey, *

and like a young lion lurking in secret places.

Arise, O Lord; confront them and bring them down; *

deliver me from the wicked by your sword.

Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand *

from those whose portion in life is this world;

Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, *

who are well supplied with children

and leave their wealth to their little ones.

But at my vindication I shall see your face; *

when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.