[1] Lord, why are you so far away? Why do you hide when there is trouble? [2] Proudly the wicked chase down those who suffer. The wicked set traps to catch them. [3] They brag about the things they want. They bless the greedy but hate the Lord. [4] The wicked people are too proud. They do not look for God. There is no room for God in their thoughts. [5] They always succeed. They are far from keeping your laws. They make fun of their enemies. [6] They say to themselves, "Nothing bad will ever happen to me. I will never be ruined." [7] Their mouths are full of curses, lies and threats. They use their tongues for sin and evil. [8] They hide near the villages. They look for innocent people to kill. They watch in secret for the helpless. [9] They wait in hiding like a lion. They wait to catch poor people. They catch the poor in nets. [10] The poor are thrown down and crushed. They are defeated because the others are stronger. [11] The wicked think, "God has forgotten us. He doesn't see what is happening." [12] Lord, rise up and punish the wicked. Don't forget those who need help. [13] Why do wicked people hate God? They say to themselves, "God won't punish us." [14] Lord, surely you see these cruel and evil things. Look at them and do something. People in trouble look to you for help. You are the one who helps the orphans. [15] Break the power of wicked men. Punish them for the evil they have done. [16] The Lord is King forever and ever. Remove from your land those nations that do not worship you. [17] Lord, you have heard what the poor people want. Do what they ask. Listen to them. [18] Protect the orphans. Put an end to suffering. Then they will no longer be afraid of evil people.
