Psalms 17 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

Hear what is right, Yahweh — listen to my cry. Pay attention to my prayer; it comes from lips that don't deceive.

Let my vindication come from you — your eyes see what is true.

You have tested my heart, examined me through the night. You have refined me and found nothing wrong — my mouth does not cross the line.

As for what others do — by the word from your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

My steps have held firm to your paths — my feet have not slipped.

I am calling on you because you answer me, God. Turn your ear toward me — hear what I have to say.

Show the wonder of your undeserved kindness — you who rescue those who take shelter at your right hand from those who rise against them.

Guard me like the pupil of your eye — hide me in the shadow of your wings,

from the corrupt who devastate me, from my deadly enemies who close in on every side.

They have sealed shut their own compassion; their mouths speak with arrogance.

They have tracked me down, now they surround me — their eyes are set to throw me to the ground.

They are like a lion hungry to tear its prey apart — like a young lion crouching in hidden places.

Rise up, Yahweh! Confront them, bring them down. Rescue me from the corrupt with your sword —

from people, Yahweh, by your hand — from people of this world whose portion is in this life alone. You fill their bellies with what you have stored up; their children have plenty, and they leave their surplus to their little ones.

But me — I will see your face because I am in the right. When I awake, I will be satisfied just by seeing you as you are.