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1Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
2Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.
3Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
4Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.
5Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
6I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
7Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.
8Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
9From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.
10They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
11They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
12Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
13Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:
14From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Also Psalm 139:13 · Psalm 139:16 · Psalm 8:3 · Psalm 139:14 · Job 5:7 · Psalm 90:12 · Psalm 17:15 · Genesis 1:26
In Psalm 17, David prays with a genuine heart in the midst of trouble. He affirms that life is a precious gift from God (Psalm 139), valuable and fearfully made (Psalm 8), yet often hard (Job 5:7) and short (Psalm 39:4). Our days are to be lived with wisdom and purpose (Psalm 90:12), remembering that from creation, God intended fellowship, dominion, meaningful work, and companionship. Sin disrupted that design, but through Christ, fellowship and purpose are restored.
David’s prayer reveals three key truths:
This psalm reminds us that our purpose is not found in possessions, comfort, or the approval of others, but in walking with God, trusting His protection, and living with eternity in view.
“As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” – Psalm 17:15