[1] Why standest Thou afar off, O LORD? Why hidest Thou Thyself in times of trouble? [2] The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor; let them be caught in the devices that they have contrived. [3] For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous whom the LORD abhorreth. [4] The wicked, in the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God; God is not in all his thoughts. [5] His ways are always grievous; Thy judgments are far above, out of his sight; as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them. [6] He hath said in his heart, "I shall not be moved, for I shall never be in adversity." [7] His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud; under his tongue is mischief and vanity. [8] He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages; in secret places doth he murder the innocent; his eyes are privily set against the poor. [9] He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den; he lieth in wait to catch the poor; he doth catch the poor when he draweth him into his net. [10] He croucheth and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. [11] He hath said in his heart, "God hath forgotten; He hideth His face, He will never see it." [12] Arise, O LORD! O God, lift up Thine hand! Forget not the humble. [13] Why doth the wicked contemn God? He hath said in his heart, "Thou wilt not keep account." [14] But Thou hast seen it, for Thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with Thy hand. The poor committeth himself unto Thee; Thou art the helper of the fatherless. [15] Break Thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man; seek out his wickedness until Thou find none. [16] The LORD is King for ever and ever; the heathen have perished out of His land. [17] LORD, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble; Thou wilt prepare their heart, Thou wilt cause Thine ear to hear, [18] to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
