17:1   Listen, O LORD, to my plea for justice; pay attention to my cry for help! Listen to my honest prayer.

17:2   You will judge in my favor, because you know what is right.

17:3   You know my heart. You have come to me at night; you have examined me completely and found no evil desire in me. I speak no evil,

17:4   as others do; I have obeyed your command and have not followed paths of violence.

17:5   I have always walked in your way and have never strayed from it.

17:6   I pray to you, O God, because you answer me; so turn to me and listen to my words.

17:7   Reveal your wonderful love and save me; at your side I am safe from my enemies.

17:8   Protect me as you would your very eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings

17:9   from the attacks of the wicked. Deadly enemies surround me;

17:10   they have no pity and speak proudly.

17:11   They are around me now, wherever I turn, watching for a chance to pull me down.

17:12   They are like lions, waiting for me, wanting to tear me to pieces.

17:13   Come, LORD! Oppose my enemies and defeat them! Save me from the wicked by your sword;

17:14   save me from those who in this life have all they want. Punish them with the sufferings you have stored up for them; may there be enough for their children and some left over for their children's children!

17:15   But I will see you, because I have done no wrong; and when I awake, your presence will fill me with joy.