17 1 Hear a just cause, O Yahweh; attend to my cry!
Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!
17 2 From you let my vindication come!
Let your eyes see the right!
17 3 If you search my heart, if you visit me by night,
if you test me, you will find no wickedness in me;
my mouth does not transgress.
17 4 With regard to the works of men,
by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent.
17 5 My steps have held fast to your paths,
my feet have not slipped.
17 6 I call upon you, for you will answer me,
O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words.
17 7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O saviour of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
17 8 Keep me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
17 9 from the wicked who despoil me,
my deadly enemies who surround me.
17 10 They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
17 11 They track me down; now they surround me;
they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.
17 12 They are like a lion eager to tear,
as a young lion lurking in ambush.
17 13 Arise, O Yahweh! confront them, overthrow them!
Deliver my life from the wicked by your sword,
17 14 from men by your hand, O Yahweh,
from men whose portion in life is of the world.
May their belly be filled with what you have stored up for them;
may their children have more than enough;
may they leave something over to their babes.
17 15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake, I shall be satisfied with beholding your form.