Psalm 17

Contemporary English Version

³ You know my heart,
    and even during the night
you have tested me
    and found me innocent.
I have made up my mind
    never to tell a lie.
⁴ I don't do like others.
I obey your teachings
    and am not cruel.
⁵ I have followed you,
    without ever stumbling.

⁶ I pray to you, God,
    because you will help me.
Listen and answer my prayer!
⁷     Show your wonderful love.
Your mighty arm protects those
who run to you for safety
    from their enemies.
⁸ Protect me as you would
    your very own eyes;
hide me in the shadow
    of your wings.

⁹ Don't let my brutal enemies
attack from all sides
    and kill me.
¹⁰ They refuse to show mercy,
    and they keep bragging.

¹¹ They have caught up with me!
    My enemies are everywhere,
eagerly hoping to smear me
    in the dirt.
¹² They are like hungry lions
    hunting for food,
or like young lions
    hiding in ambush.

¹³ Do something, Lord!
    Attack and defeat them.
Take your sword and save me
    from those evil people.
¹⁴ Use your powerful arm
    and rescue me
from the hands of mere humans
    whose world won't last.^[a]

You provide food
    for those you love.
Their children have plenty,
and their grandchildren
    will have more than enough.

¹⁵ I am innocent, Lord,
    and I will see your face!
When I awake, all I want
    is to see you as you are.