Psalms 17:1

Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

Psalms 17:1 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 17 opens with David’s prayer for deliverance and protection. He speaks as a man under attack, asking God to examine his cause. The verse presents three urgent pleas: hear, attend, and give ear. Each one calls the Lord to act as a righteous Judge who decides between David and his enemies.

Meaning

“Hear the right” means David asks God to hear his just cause, not merely his words. He appeals to the Lord as Judge, trusting that God will give a right decision. “Attend unto my cry” shows deep need; David’s prayer is not calm reflection but an urgent call for help. “Give ear unto my prayer” repeats the request with even greater intensity.

The final phrase, “that goeth not out of feigned lips,” is the heart of the verse. David insists his prayer is sincere. “Feigned” means deceitful or insincere. His lips speak what his heart truly believes. He does not flatter God or hide his real condition. This honesty gives him confidence that God will listen.

Biblical connections

David’s appeal to God as Judge echoes Psalm 9:4, where God upholds the right cause of the one who seeks Him. In both places, the righteous person brings a genuine plea before the Lord and waits for His verdict.

Application

This verse teaches that prayer must come from an honest heart. God values truth in the inner person, not impressive words. When we pray, we can examine our motives. Do we speak to God with integrity, or do we hide our faults? David models bringing our whole cause to God, trusting His righteous judgment.

Reflection

David’s confidence rests on two things: the rightness of his cause and the sincerity of his heart. We may not always be innocent, but we can always be honest. God hears the cry of those who come without pretense, and He responds to those who seek Him in truth.