Psalm 17. Exaudi, Domine.

1. Hear my plea of innocence, O Lord; give heed to my cry; *
   listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.
2. Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
   let your eyes be fixed on justice.
3. Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
   melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.
4. I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
   I have heeded the words of your lips.
5. My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
   in your paths my feet shall not stumble.
6. I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
   incline your ear to me and hear my words.
7. Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
   O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand from those who rise up against them.
8. Keep me as the apple of your eye; *
   hide me under the shadow of your wings,
9. From the wicked who assault me, *
   from my deadly enemies who surround me.
10. They have closed their heart to pity, *
    and their mouth speaks proud things.
11. They press me hard, now they surround me, *
    watching how they may cast me to the ground,
12. Like a lion, greedy for its prey, *
    and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
13. Arise, O Lord; confront them and bring them down; *
    deliver me from the wicked by your sword.
14. Deliver me, O Lord, by your hand *
    from those whose portion in life is this world;
15. Whose bellies you fill with your treasure, *
    who are well supplied with children and leave their wealth to their little ones.
16. But at my vindication I shall see your face; *
    when I awake, I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.