[1] Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you pay no attention during times of trouble? [2] The wicked arrogantly chase the oppressed; the oppressed are trapped by the schemes the wicked have dreamed up. [3] Yes, the wicked man boasts because he gets what he wants; the one who robs others curses and rejects the LORD. [4] The wicked man is so arrogant he always thinks, "God won't hold me accountable; he doesn't care." [5] He is secure at all times. He has no regard for your commands; he disdains all his enemies. [6] He says to himself, "I will never be shaken, because I experience no calamity." [7] His mouth is full of curses and deceptive, harmful words; his tongue injures and destroys. [8] He waits in ambush near the villages; in hidden places he kills the innocent. His eyes look for some unfortunate victim. [9] He lies in ambush in a hidden place, like a lion in a thicket. He lies in ambush, waiting to catch the oppressed; he catches the oppressed by pulling in his net. [10] His victims are crushed and beaten down; they are trapped in his sturdy nets. [11] He says to himself, "God overlooks it; he does not pay attention; he never notices." [12] Rise up, LORD! O God, strike him down. Do not forget the oppressed. [13] Why does the wicked man reject God? He says to himself, "You will not hold me accountable." [14] You have taken notice, for you always see one who inflicts pain and suffering. The unfortunate victim entrusts his cause to you; you deliver the fatherless. [15] Break the arm of the wicked and evil man. Hold him accountable for his wicked deeds, which he thought you would not discover. [16] The LORD rules forever! The nations are driven out of his land. [17] LORD, you have heard the request of the oppressed; you make them feel secure because you listen to their prayer. [18] You defend the fatherless and oppressed, so that mere mortals may no longer terrorize them.
