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
This prayer begins with a plea for righteous hearing: “Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry.” It is honest, unpretentious, and rooted in a desire for integrity. The speaker asks God to listen to a prayer that comes from genuine motives, not from deceit or manipulation. In the broader psalm, David contrasts sincerity with hypocrisy and laments social injustice. The phrase “feigned lips” indicates lips that speak deceit or insincere prayer. The cry is for divine attention to truth, justice, and the real needs of the righteous. The historical context reflects a world filled with deception, oppression, and political maneuvering; the psalmist seeks God’s verdict and intervention against crookedness.
This verse emphasizes the reliability of God as judge and defender of the innocent. It highlights a consistent biblical motif: God hears those who approach Him with honesty and humility. It also sets a theological trajectory toward integrity in worship and life—prayer that aligns with truth, not manipulation. For Christians, this anticipates the righteousness found in Christ and the Spirit’s work producing genuine, aligned prayers.
Practice honesty in prayer: name real vulnerabilities, confess deceitful patterns, and request God’s help to live with integrity. In daily life, avoid “feigned lips”—avoid hollow platitudes, performative religiosity, or manipulative requests. Cultivate simple, honest conversations with God and others. Example: in conflict, approach with truth-telling and humility rather than posturing or blaming. Pray for justice and discernment in decisions that affect others.
Cross-References: Psalm 4:3–5; Proverbs 28:9; Isaiah 1:15; Jeremiah 29:13; James 5:16