[1] The LORD is a God who punishes. God, show your greatness and punish! [2] Rise up, Judge of the earth, and give the proud what they deserve. [3] How long will the wicked be happy? How long, LORD? [4] They are full of proud words; those who do evil brag about what they have done. [5] LORD, they crush your people and make your children suffer. [6] They kill widows and foreigners and murder orphans. [7] They say, "The LORD doesn't see; the God of Jacob doesn't notice." [8] You stupid ones among the people, pay attention. You fools, when will you understand? [9] Can't the creator of ears hear? Can't the maker of eyes see? [10] Won't the one who corrects nations punish you? Doesn't the teacher of people know everything? [11] The LORD knows what people think. He knows their thoughts are just a puff of wind. [12] LORD, those you correct are happy; you teach them from your law. [13] You give them rest from times of trouble until a pit is dug for the wicked. [14] The LORD won't leave his people nor give up his children. [15] Judgment will again be fair, and all who are honest will follow it. [16] Who will help me fight against the wicked? Who will stand with me against those who do evil? [17] If the LORD had not helped me, I would have died in a minute. [18] I said, "I am about to fall," but, LORD, your love kept me safe. [19] I was very worried, but you comforted me and made me happy. [20] Crooked leaders cannot be your friends. They use the law to cause suffering. [21] They join forces against people who do right and sentence to death the innocent. [22] But the LORD is my defender; my God is the rock of my protection. [23] God will pay them back for their sins and will destroy them for their evil. The LORD our God will destroy them.
