Hear what is just, O Jehovah; listen to me.
Give ear to the prayer of my unfeigned lips.
Let my sentence come out of Your presence;
Let Your eyes see what is right.
You have examined my heart.
You have visited me in the night.
You have tested me and found nothing.
I have resolved that my mouth will not transgress.
As for the deeds of men –
By the word of Your lips,
I have kept myself
From the ways of the violent.
May my steps remain in Your paths;
Then my feet will not slip.
I have called on You, for you will answer me, O God.
Turn Your ear to me; hear my speech.
Show Your marvelous loving kindness –
You, Who, by Your right hand,
Save those who trust in You
From those who rise against them.
Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
From the wicked who oppress me,
From my mortal enemies who surround me.
They have walled themselves in with comfort;
With their mouths, they speak proudly.
They have surrounded us in our steps, now;
They have set their sights, crouching on the ground,
Like a lion greedy for his prey –
Like a young lion, lurking in a thicket.
Rise up, Jehovah; deter him –
Bring him low.
Deliver me from the sword of the wicked one –
From the hand of worldly men, O Jehovah –
Whose portion is in this life;
Whose bellies are filled with their due;
Whose children will be filled with it;
Who leave the rest to their little ones.
But I –
I will see Your face in my innocence.
I will be satisfied,
When I awake, to visions of You.
a paraphrase