Chapter 17

Psalms

1Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry!Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!2From your presence let my vindication come!Let your eyes behold the right!3You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night,you have tested me, and you will find nothing;I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.4With regard to the works of man, by the word of your lipsI have avoided the ways of the violent.5My steps have held fast to your paths;my feet have not slipped.6I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;incline your ear to me; hear my words.7Wondrously show your steadfast love,O Savior of those who seek refugefrom their adversaries at your right hand.8Keep me as the apple of your eye;hide me in the shadow of your wings,9from the wicked who do me violence,my deadly enemies who surround me.10They close their hearts to pity;with their mouths they speak arrogantly.11They have now surrounded our steps;they set their eyes to cast us to the ground.12He is like a lion eager to tear,as a young lion lurking in ambush.13Arise, O LORD! Confront him, subdue him!Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,14from men by your hand, O LORD,from men of the world whose portion is in this life.You fill their womb with treasure;they are satisfied with children,and they leave their abundance to their infants.15As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.

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