1 A Prayer of David. Hearken, O Lord of my righteousness, attend to my petition ; give ear to my prayer not uttered with deceitful lips. Notesn1 Or, to my righteous plea, etc.
2 Let my judgment come forth from thy presence ; let mine eyes behold righteousness.
3 Thou hast proved mine heart ; thou hast visited me by night ; thou hast tried me as with fire, and unrighteousness has not been found in me : I am purposed that my mouth shall not speak amiss.
4 As for the works of men, by the words of thy lips I have guarded myself from hard ways. Notesn1 Lit. I have observed hard ways.
5 Direct my steps in thy paths, that my steps slip not.
6 I have cried, for thou heardest me, O God : incline thine ear to me, and hearken to my words.
7 Shew the marvels of thy mercies, thou that savest them that hope in thee.
8 Keep me as the apple of the eye from those that resist thy right hand : thou shalt screen me by the covering of thy wings,
9 from the face of the ungodly that have afflicted me : mine enemies have compassed about my soul.
10 They have enclosed themselves with their own fat : their mouth has spoken pride.
11 They have now cast me out and compassed me round about : they have set their eyes so as to bow them down to the ground.
12 They laid wait for me as a lion ready for prey, and like a lion's whelp dwelling in secret places.
13 Arise, O Lord, prevent them, and cast them down : deliver my soul from the ungodly : draw thy sword,
14 because of the enemies of thine hand : O Lord, destroy them from the earth ; scatter them in their life, though their belly has been filled with thy hidden treasures : they have been satisfied with uncleanness, and have left the remnant of their possessions to their babes. Notesn1 Alex. children.
15 But I shall appear in righteousness before thy face : I shall be satisfied when thy glory appears.