17  A prayer by David.

1 Listen to my plea for justice, Yahweh.

≈ Pay attention to my call for help.

≈ Take notice of my prayer coming from honest lips.

2 Consider my case and confirm that I’m innocent.

Let your eyes see what is just.

3 If you test my inner motives,

if you come to me in the night to test me,

you won’t find any evil plans—

my mouth won’t say anything evil.

4 As for people’s actions,

it is at the word from your mouth

that I’ve kept myself from the ways of lawless people.

5 I’ve kept myself consistently on your paths.

≈ My feet haven’t slipped.

6 I call to you, God, because you answer me.

Take notice of me and listen when I speak.

7 Show your loyal commitment in a wonderful way,

you who use your power to protect

those who take refuge in you from their enemies.

8 Protect me as carefully as the pupil is protected in the eye.

≈ Hide me like a chick under the shadow of your wings.

9 Protect me from the wicked people who assault me—

from my enemies who surround me.

10 They’ve closed their minds to pity.

Their mouths speak with pride.

11 They have closed in on me.

They have decided to throw me to the ground.

12 They’re like a lion eager for a victim—

like a young lion crouching in ambush.

13 Take action, Yahweh.

Confront them.

≈ Knock them down.

Rescue my life from wicked people by your sword!

14 Use your strength, Yahweh, to rescue me from men—

from people in this world whose prosperity is in this life alone.

You’ll fill the bellies of your treasured ones with riches—

they’ll have many children and will leave their wealth to them.

15 Because I’m obedient, I’ll see your face.

≈ When I wake up, I’ll be satisfied at seeing you.