Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 1
In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. 2
He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. 3
In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. 4
His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies. 5
He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble." 6
His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. 7
He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims. 8
He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net. 9
His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength. 10
He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees." 11
Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. 12
Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"? 13
But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. 14
Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. 15
The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. 16
You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, 17
defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. 18