[1] Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble? [2] In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. [3] For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. [4] In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God. [5] He is secure in his ways at all times; Your lofty judgments are far from him; he sneers at all his foes. [6] He says to himself, “I will not be moved; from age to age I am free of distress.” [7] His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue. [8] He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. [9] He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. [10] They are crushed and beaten down; the helpless fall prey to his strength. [11] He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.” [12] Arise, O LORD! Lift up Your hand, O God! Do not forget the helpless. [13] Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.” [14] But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. [15] Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call him to account for his wickedness until none is left to be found. [16] The LORD is King forever and ever; the nations perish from His land. [17] You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear, [18] to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more.
