Psalm 17. Exaudi, Domine.

1. 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.