[1] Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs, let your glory shine out. Arise and judge the earth; sentence the proud to the penalties they deserve. [3] Lord, how long shall the wicked be allowed to triumph and exult? [4] Hear their insolence! See their arrogance! How these men of evil boast! [5] See them oppressing your people, O Lord, afflicting those you love. [6] They murder widows, immigrants, and orphans, for "The Lord isn't looking," they say, "and besides, he doesn't care." [8] Fools! [9] Is God deaf and blind-he who makes ears and eyes? [10] He punishes the nations-won't he also punish you? He knows everything-doesn't he also know what you are doing? [11] The Lord is fully aware of how limited and futile the thoughts of mankind are, [12] so he helps us by punishing us. This makes us follow his paths and gives us respite from our enemies while God traps them and destroys them. [14] The Lord will not forsake his people, for they are his prize. [15] Judgment will again be just, and all the upright will rejoice. [16] Who will protect me from the wicked? Who will be my shield? [17] I would have died unless the Lord had helped me. [18] I screamed, "I'm slipping, Lord!" and he was kind and saved me. [19] Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer. [20] Will you permit a corrupt government to rule under your protection-a government permitting wrong to defeat right? [21] Do you approve of those who condemn the innocent to death? No! The Lord my God is my fortress-the mighty Rock where I can hide. [23] God has made the sins of evil men to boomerang upon them! He will destroy them by their own plans. Jehovah our God will cut them off.
