[1] The Lord is a God who gives people what they should get. God, show your greatness and punish! [2] Rise up, Judge of the earth. Give the proud what they should get. [3] How long will the wicked be happy? How long, Lord? [4] They are full of proud words. Those who do evil brag about what they have done. [5] Lord, they crush your people. They make your children suffer. [6] They kill widows and foreigners. They murder orphans. [7] They say, "The Lord doesn't see. The God of Jacob doesn't notice." [8] You stupid ones among the people, pay attention. You fools, when will you understand? [9] Can't the creator of ears hear? Can't the maker of eyes see? [10] Won't the one who corrects nations punish you? Doesn't the teacher of men know everything? [11] The Lord knows what people think. He knows they are just a puff of wind. [12] Lord, those you correct are happy. You give them your teachings. [13] You give them rest from times of trouble until a grave is dug for the wicked. [14] The Lord won't leave his people. He will not give up his children. [15] Judgment will again be fair. And all who are honest will follow it. [16] Who will help me fight against the wicked? Who will stand with me against those who do evil? [17] If the Lord had not helped me, I would have died soon. [18] I said, "I am about to be overwhelmed." But, Lord, your love kept me safe. [19] I was very worried. But you comforted me and made me happy. [20] Crooked leaders cannot be your friends. They use the law to cause suffering. [21] They join forces against people who do right. They sentence to death the innocent. [22] But the Lord protects me like a strong, walled city. My God is the rock of my protection. [23] God will pay them back for their sins. He will destroy them for their evil. The Lord our God will destroy them.
