[1] Why do You stand afar off, O LORD? Why do You hide in times of trouble? [2] The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. [3] For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire; He blesses the greedy and renounces the LORD. [4] The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. [5] His ways are always prospering; Your judgments are far above, out of his sight; As for all his enemies, he sneers at them. [6] He has said in his heart, "I shall not be moved; I shall never be in adversity." [7] His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; Under his tongue is trouble and iniquity. [8] He sits in the lurking places of the villages; In the secret places he murders the innocent; His eyes are secretly fixed on the helpless. [9] He lies in wait secretly, as a lion in his den; He lies in wait to catch the poor; He catches the poor when he draws him into his net. [10] So he crouches, he lies low, That the helpless may fall by his strength. [11] He has said in his heart, "God has forgotten; He hides His face; He will never see." [12] Arise, O LORD! O God, lift up Your hand! Do not forget the humble. [13] Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, "You will not require an account." [14] But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, To repay it by Your hand. The helpless commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. [15] Break the arm of the wicked and the evil man; Seek out his wickedness until You find none. [16] The LORD is King forever and ever; The nations have perished out of His land. [17] LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, [18] To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.
