Show Don't Tell: Psalm 17

Instead of saying "David asked God to vindicate him," feel the lion breathing. A prayer of David. "Hear me, LORD, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer—it does not rise from deceitful lips." Come examine me: "Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed." Probed, examined, tested—nothing hidden. "As for human beings—by the word of your lips I have kept myself from the ways of the violent." The Word kept him from violence. "My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not stumbled." Then the appeal: "Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me." Apple of the eye—the pupil, protected by reflex. Shadow of wings—mother bird covering chicks. "They close up their callous hearts, and their mouths speak with arrogance." The wicked described as predators: "They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover." Crouching, ready to spring. "Rise up, LORD, confront them, bring them down... As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness."