1 [A prayer by David.] Hear my plea for justice, O LORD. Pay attention to my cry. Open your ears to my prayer, [which comes] from lips free from deceit.

2 Let the verdict of my innocence come directly from you. Let your eyes observe what is fair.

3 You have probed my heart. You have confronted me at night. You have tested me like silver, but you found nothing wrong. I have determined that my mouth will not sin.

4 I have avoided cruelty because of your word. In spite of what others have done,

5 my steps have remained firmly in your paths. My feet have not slipped.

6 I have called on you because you answer me, O God. Turn your ear toward me. Hear what I have to say.

7 Reveal your miraculous deeds of mercy, O Savior of those who find refuge by your side from those who attack them.

8 Guard me as if I were the pupil in your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

9 Hide me from wicked people who violently attack me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.

10 They have shut out all feeling. Their mouths have spoken arrogantly.

11 They have tracked me down. They have surrounded me. They have focused their attention on throwing me to the ground.

12 Each one of them is like a lion eager to tear [its prey] apart and like a young lion crouching in hiding places.

13 Arise, O LORD; confront them! Bring them to their knees! With your sword rescue my life from wicked people.

14 With your power rescue me from mortals, O LORD, from mortals who enjoy their inheritance only in this life. You fill their bellies with your treasure. Their children are satisfied [with it], and they leave what remains to their children.

15 I will see your face when I am declared innocent. When I wake up, I will be satisfied [with seeing] you.