Psalm 17. Exaudi, Domine.
Hear the right, O LORD, consider my complaint, * and hearken unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; * and let thine eyes look upon the thing that is equal.
3 Thou hast proved and visited mine heart in the night season; thou hast tried me, and shalt find no wickedness in me; * for I am utterly purposed that my mouth shall not offend.
4 As for the works of men, * by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the destroyer.
5 O hold thou up my goings in thy paths, * that my footsteps slip not.
6 I have called upon thee, O God, for thou shalt hear me: * incline thine ear to me, and hearken unto my words.
7 Show thy marvellous loving-kindness, thou that art the Saviour of them which put their trust in thee, * from such as resist thy right hand.
8 Keep me as the apple of an eye; * hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
9 From the ungodly, that trouble me; * mine enemies compass me round about, to take away my soul.
10 They are inclosed in their own fat, * and their mouth speaketh proud things.
11 They lie waiting in our way on every side, * watching to cast us down to the ground;
12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, * and as it were a lion's whelp lurking in secret places.
13 Up, LORD, disappoint him, and cast him down; * deliver my soul from the ungodly, by thine own sword;
14 Yea, by thy hand, O LORD; from the men of the evil world; * which have their portion in this life, whose bellies thou fillest with thy hid treasure.
15 They have children at their desire, * and leave the rest of their substance for their babes.
16 But as for me, I shall behold thy presence in righteousness; * and when I awake up after thy likeness, I shall be satisfied.