[1] LORD God, you punish the guilty. Show what you are like and punish them now. [2] You judge the earth. Come and help us! Pay back those proud people for what they have done. [3] How long will the wicked celebrate and be glad? [4] All of those cruel people strut and boast, [5] and they crush and wound your chosen nation, LORD. [6] They murder widows, foreigners, and orphans. [7] Then they say, "The LORD God of Jacob doesn't see or know." [8] Can't you fools see? Won't you ever learn? [9] God gave us ears and eyes! Can't he hear and see? [10] God instructs the nations and gives knowledge to us all. Won't he also correct us? [11] The LORD knows how useless our plans really are. [12] Our LORD, you bless everyone that you instruct and teach by using your Law. [13] You give them rest from their troubles, until a pit can be dug for the wicked. [14] You won't turn your back on your chosen nation. [15] Justice and fairness will go hand in hand, and all who do right will follow along. [16] Who will stand up for me against those cruel people? [17] If you had not helped me, LORD, I would soon have gone to the land of silence. [18] When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. [19] And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure. [20] But you are opposed to dishonest lawmakers [21] who gang up to murder innocent victims. [22] You, LORD God, are my fortress, that mighty rock where I am safe. [23] You will pay back my enemies, and you will wipe them out for the evil they did.
