A prayer of David. Hear the right, O Lord, attend to my cry, give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.

Let my sentence come forth from your presence; let your eyes behold the right.

You have tested my heart; you have visited me in the night; you have tested me, and found nothing; let my mouth not transgress.

Concerning the works of men, by the word of your lips I have kept away from the paths of the violent.

My steps have held fast to your paths, my feet have not slipped.

I have called upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, and hear my speech.

Show your marvelous loving kindness, O you who save from their enemies, by your right hand, those who seek refuge.

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of your wings,

From the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me.

They are enclosed in their own fat; with their mouth they speak arrogantly.

They dog our steps; they surround us; they have set their eyes to tread us down to the earth;

He is like a lion that is greedy for its prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.

Arise, O Lord, confront him, cast him down; save my soul from the wicked, by your sword;

From men, by your hand, O Lord, from men whose portion in life is of the world, and whose belly you fill with your treasure; who have many children, and who leave their abundance to their babes.

As for me, I will behold your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with beholding your likeness.