[1] LORD, why are you so far away? Why do you hide when there is trouble? [2] Proudly the wicked chase down those who suffer. Let them be caught in their own traps. [3] They brag about the things they want. They bless the greedy but hate the LORD. [4] The wicked people are too proud. They do not look for God; there is no room for God in their thoughts. [5] They always succeed. They are far from keeping your laws; they make fun of their enemies. [6] They say to themselves, "Nothing bad will ever happen to me; I will never be ruined." [7] Their mouths are full of curses, lies, and threats; they use their tongues for sin and evil. [8] They hide near the villages. They look for innocent people to kill; they watch in secret for the helpless. [9] They wait in hiding like a lion. They wait to catch poor people; they catch the poor in nets. [10] The poor are thrown down and crushed; they are defeated because the others are stronger. [11] The wicked think, "God has forgotten us. He doesn't see what is happening." [12] LORD, rise up and punish the wicked. Don't forget those who need help. [13] Why do wicked people hate God? They say to themselves, "God won't punish us." [14] LORD, surely you see these cruel and evil things; look at them and do something. People in trouble look to you for help. You are the one who helps the orphans. [15] Break the power of wicked people. Punish them for the evil they have done. [16] The LORD is King forever and ever. Destroy from your land those nations that do not worship you. [17] LORD, you have heard what the poor people want. Do what they ask, and listen to them. [18] Protect the orphans and put an end to suffering so they will no longer be afraid of evil people.
