Psalms 17:2-12

²Be my judge; for your eyes see what is right.

³You have put my heart to the test, searching me in the night; you have put me to the test and seen no evil purpose in me; I will keep my mouth from sin.

⁴As for the works of men, by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

⁵I have kept my feet in your ways, my steps have not been turned away.

⁶My cry has gone up to you, for you will give me an answer, O God: let your ear be turned to me, and give attention to my words.

⁷Make clear the wonder of your mercy, O saviour of those who put their faith in your right hand, from those who come out against them.

⁸Keep me as the light of your eyes, covering me with the shade of your wings,

⁹From the evil-doers who are violent to me, and from those who are round me, desiring my death.

¹⁰They are shut up in their fat: with their mouths they say words of pride.

¹¹They have made a circle round our steps: their eyes are fixed on us, forcing us down to the earth;

¹²Like a lion desiring its food, and like a young lion waiting in secret places.