Psalms 17:2-13

²Vindicate me before you—for you see what is right.

³You have observed my thoughts, you have visited me at night, you have examined me—and you have found nothing wrong. I promised myself I wouldn't say anything I shouldn't.

⁴With regard to the actions of others: I have done what you told me and I have avoided what violent people do.

⁵I have not strayed from your path; my feet have not slipped from it.

⁶God, I call out to you because I know you will answer; please listen carefully to what I have to say.

⁷Show me how wonderful your trustworthy love really is, Savior of those who come to you for protection against their enemies!

⁸Keep me safe as someone you love; hide me underneath your wings.

⁹Protect me from the attacks of the wicked who want to destroy me, from my enemies who surround me, intent on killing me.

¹⁰They have no compassion, and all they have to say is pure arrogance.

¹¹They hunt me down and surround me, looking for the chance to knock me down in the dust.

¹²They are like lions, longing to tear their prey apart; like fierce lions crouching in ambush.

¹³Lord, stand up and confront them! Force them to back down! By your sword rescue me from the wicked!