Psalm 17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Prayer for Protection against Oppressors.

A Prayer of David.

Hear a just cause, O Lord, give heed to my cry;Give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.2 Let my [a]judgment come forth from Your presence;Let Your eyes look with equity.3 You have tried my heart;You have visited me by night;You have tested me and You find [b]nothing;I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.4 As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lipsI have kept from the paths of the violent.5 My steps have held fast to Your [c]paths.My feet have not slipped.6 I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God;Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.7 Wondrously show Your lovingkindness,O Savior of those who take refuge [d]at Your right handFrom those who rise up against them.8 Keep me as [e]the apple of the eye;Hide me in the shadow of Your wings9 From the wicked who despoil me,My deadly enemies who surround me.10 They have closed their [f]unfeeling heart,With their mouth they speak proudly.11 They have now surrounded us in our steps;They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground.12 He is like a lion that is eager to tear,And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.13 Arise, O Lord, confront him, bring him low;Deliver my soul from the wicked with Your sword,14 From men with Your hand, O Lord,From men [g]of the world, whose portion is in this life,And whose belly You fill with Your treasure;They are satisfied with children,And leave their abundance to their babes.15 As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness;I will be satisfied [h]with Your likeness when I awake.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 17:2 I.e. vindication
2. Psalm 17:3 Or no evil device in me; My mouth
3. Psalm 17:5 Lit tracks
4. Psalm 17:7 Or from those who rise up...at Your right hand
5. Psalm 17:8 Lit the pupil, the daughter of the eye
6. Psalm 17:10 Lit fat
7. Psalm 17:14 Or whose portion in life is of the world
8. Psalm 17:15 Or with beholding