Psalms

The first book of Psalms, song 17, New English Translation and King James Version

Psalm 17

New English Translation

A prayer of David.

   1 LORD, consider my just cause! Pay attention to my cry for help! Listen to the prayer I sincerely offer!
   2 Make a just decision on my behalf! Decide what is right!
   3 You have scrutinized my inner motives; you have examined me during the night. You have carefully evaluated me, but you find no sin. I am determined I will say nothing sinful.
   4 As for the actions of people - just as you have commanded, I have not followed in the footsteps of violent men.
   5 I carefully obey your commands; I do not deviate from them.
   6 I call to you for you will answer me, O God. Listen to me! Hear what I say!
   7 Accomplish awesome, faithful deeds, you who powerfully deliver those who look to you for protection from their enemies.
   8 Protect me as you would protect the pupil of your eye! Hide me in the shadow of your wings!
   9 Protect me from the wicked men who attack me, my enemies who crowd around me for the kill.
   10 They are calloused; they speak arrogantly.
   11 They attack me, now they surround me; they intend to throw me to the ground.
   12 He is like a lion that wants to tear its prey to bits, like a young lion crouching in hidden places.
   13 Rise up, LORD! Confront him! Knock him down! Use your sword to rescue me from the wicked man!
   14 LORD, use your power to deliver me from these murderers, from the murderers of this world! They enjoy prosperity; you overwhelm them with the riches they desire. They have many children, and leave their wealth to their offspring.
   15 As for me, because I am innocent I will see your face; when I awake you will reveal yourself to me.

King James Version

A Prayer of David.

   1 Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
   2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
   3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
   4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
   5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
   6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
   7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
   8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
   9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
   10 They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
   11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
   12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
   13 Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
   14 From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
   15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.