[1] LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide in times of trouble? [2] In arrogance the wicked relentlessly pursue their victims; let them be caught in the schemes they have devised. [3] For the wicked one boasts about his own cravings; the one who is greedy curses and despises the LORD. [4] In all his scheming, the wicked person arrogantly thinks, "There's no accountability, since there's no God." [5] His ways are always secure; your lofty judgments have no effect on him; he scoffs at all his adversaries. [6] He says to himself, "I will never be moved- from generation to generation I will be without calamity." [7] Cursing, deceit, and violence fill his mouth; trouble and malice are under his tongue. [8] He waits in ambush near settlements; he kills the innocent in secret places. His eyes are on the lookout for the helpless; [9] he lurks in secret like a lion in a thicket. He lurks in order to seize a victim; he seizes a victim and drags him in his net. [10] So he is oppressed and beaten down; helpless people fall because of the wicked one's strength. [11] He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he hides his face and will never see." [12] Rise up, LORD God! Lift up your hand. Do not forget the oppressed. [13] Why has the wicked person despised God? He says to himself, "You will not demand an account." [14] But you yourself have seen trouble and grief, observing it in order to take the matter into your hands. The helpless one entrusts himself to you; you are a helper of the fatherless. [15] Break the arm of the wicked, evil person, until you look for his wickedness, but it can't be found. [16] The LORD is King forever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. [17] LORD, you have heard the desire of the humble; you will strengthen their hearts. You will listen carefully, [18] doing justice for the fatherless and the oppressed so that mere humans from the earth may terrify them no more.
