Psalm 17

1Listen to my plea for justice, Yahweh; pay attention to my call for help! 2Let my vindication come from your presence; let your eyes see what is right! 3If you test my heart, if you come to me in the night, 4As for the deeds of mankind, it is at the word of your lips that I have kept myself from the ways of the lawless. 5My steps have held firmly to your tracks; my feet have not slipped. 6I call to you, for you answer me, God; turn your ear to me and listen when I speak. 7Show your covenant faithfulness in a wonderful way, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their enemies! 8Protect me like the apple of your eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings 9from the presence of the wicked ones who assault me, my enemies who surround me. 10They have no mercy on anyone; their mouths speak with pride. 11They have surrounded my steps. They set their eyes to strike me to the ground. 12They are like a lion eager for a victim, like a young lion crouching in hidden places. 13Arise, Yahweh! Attack them! Throw them down on their faces! Rescue my life from the wicked by your sword! 14Rescue me from men by your hand, Yahweh, from men of this world whose prosperity is in this life alone!