Psalms 17

₁I am innocent, LORD!

Won't you listen as I pray

and beg for help?

I am honest!

Please hear my prayer.

₂Only you can say

that I am innocent,

because only your eyes

can see the truth.

₃You 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.

₄I don't do like others.

I obey your teachings

and am not cruel.

₅I have followed you,

without ever stumbling.

₆I pray to you, God,

because you will help me.

Listen and answer my prayer!

₇Show your wonderful love.

Your mighty arm protects those

who run to you for safety

from their enemies.

₈Protect me as you would

your very own eyes;

hide me in the shadow

of your wings.

₉Don't let my brutal enemies

attack from all sides

and kill me.

₁₀They refuse to show mercy,

and they keep boasting.

₁₁They have caught up with me!

My enemies are everywhere,

eagerly hoping to pull me

to the ground.

₁₂They are like hungry lions

hunting for food,

or like young lions

hiding in ambush.

₁₃Do something, LORD!

Attack and defeat them.

Take your sword and save me

from those evil people.

₁₄Use your powerful arm

and rescue me

from the hands of mere humans

whose world won't last.

You provide food

for those you love.

Their children have plenty,

and their grandchildren

will have more than enough.

₁₅I am innocent, LORD,

and I will see your face!

When I awake, all I want

is to see you as you are.