Psalms 16; Psalms 17

1 Protect me, O God; I trust in you for safety.

2 I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; all the good things I have come from you."

3 How excellent are the Lord's faithful people! My greatest pleasure is to be with them.

4 Those who rush to other gods bring many troubles on themselves. I will not take part in their sacrifices; I will not worship their gods.

5 You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands.

6 How wonderful are your gifts to me; how good they are!

7 I praise the Lord, because he guides me, and in the night my conscience warns me.

8 I am always aware of the Lord's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me.

9 And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure,

10 because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead.

11 You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.

1 Listen, O Lord, to my plea for justice; pay attention to my cry for help! Listen to my honest prayer.

2 You will judge in my favor, because you know what is right.

3 You know my heart. You have come to me at night; you have examined me completely and found no evil desire in me. I speak no evil,

4 as others do; I have obeyed your command and have not followed paths of violence.

5 I have always walked in your way and have never strayed from it.

6 I pray to you, O God, because you answer me; so turn to me and listen to my words.

7 Reveal your wonderful love and save me; at your side I am safe from my enemies.

8 Protect me as you would your very eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings

9 from the attacks of the wicked. Deadly enemies surround me;

10 they have no pity and speak proudly.

11 They are around me now, wherever I turn, watching for a chance to pull me down.

12 They are like lions, waiting for me, wanting to tear me to pieces.

13 Come, Lord! Oppose my enemies and defeat them! Save me from the wicked by your sword;

14 save me from those who in this life have all they want. Punish them with the sufferings you have stored up for them; may there be enough for their children and some left over for their children's children!

15 But I will see you, because I have done no wrong; and when I awake, your presence will fill me with joy.