Psalms 17; Psalms 14

1 Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer— it does not rise from deceitful lips.

2 Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.

3 Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.

4 Though people tried to bribe me, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent through what your lips have commanded.

5 My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled.

6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

7 Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings

9 from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

10 They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance.

11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me, with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.

12 They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.

13 Rise up, LORD, confront them, bring them down; with your sword rescue me from the wicked.

14 By your hand save me from such people, LORD, from those of this world whose reward is in this life. May what you have stored up for the wicked fill their bellies; may their children gorge themselves on it, and may there be leftovers for their little ones.

15 As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.

2 The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

4 Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the LORD.

5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous.

6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge.

7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!