Prayer for Protection against Oppressors.

A Prayer of David.

1Hear a just cause, LORD, give Your attention to my cry;

Listen to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips.

2Let my [a]judgment come forth from Your presence;

Let Your eyes look with integrity.

3You have put my heart to the test;

You have visited me by night;

You have sifted me and You find [b]nothing;

My intent is that my mouth will not offend.

4As for the works of mankind, by the word of Your lips

I have kept from the ways of the violent.

5My steps have held to Your [c]paths.

My feet have not slipped.

6I have called upon You, for You will answer me, God;

Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.

7Show Your wonderful faithfulness,

Savior of those who take refuge [d]at Your right hand

From those who rise up against them.

8Keep me as [e]the apple of the eye;

Hide me in the shadow of Your wings

9From the wicked who deal violently with me,

My deadly enemies who surround me.

10They have closed their [f]unfeeling hearts,

With their mouths they speak proudly.

11They have now surrounded us in our steps;

They set their eyes to cast us down to the ground.

12He is like a lion that is eager to tear,

And as a young lion lurking in secret places.

13Arise, LORD, confront him, make him bow down;

Save my soul from the wicked with Your sword,

14From people by Your hand, LORD,

From people [g]of the world, whose portion is in this life,

And whose belly You fill with Your treasure;

They are satisfied with children,

And leave their abundance to their babies.

15As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness;

I shall be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.