Psalm 16

Conserva me, Domine
1
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.”
2
All my delight is upon the godly that are in the land, *
upon those who are noble among the people.
3
But those who run after other gods *
shall have their troubles multiplied.
4
Their libations of blood I will not offer, *
nor take the names of their gods upon my lips.
5
O Lord, you are my portion and my cup; *
it is you who uphold my lot.
6
My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.
7
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; *
my heart teaches me, night after night.
8
I have set the Lord always before me; *
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.
9
My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
my body also shall rest in hope.
10
For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
nor let your holy one see the Pit.
11
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
1
Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord;
give heed to my cry; *
listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2
Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3
Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4
I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
I have heeded the words of your lips.
5
My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6
I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7
Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand
from those who rise up against them.
8
Keep me as the apple of your eye; *
hide me under the shadow of your wings,
9
From the wicked who assault me, *
from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10
They have closed their heart to pity, *
and their mouth speaks proud things.
11
They press me hard,
now they surround me, *
watching how they may cast me to the ground,
12
Like a lion, greedy for its prey, *
and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13
Arise, O Lord; confront them and bring them down; *
deliver me from the wicked by your sword.
14
Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand *
from those whose portion in life is this world;
15
Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, *
who are well supplied with children
and leave their wealth to their little ones.
16
But at my vindication I shall see your face; *
when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.