1 Why, O Lord, do you stand far off ? 1 Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, 2 who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts of the cravings of his heart; 3 he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.
4 In his pride the wicked does not seek him; 4 in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous; 5 he is haughty and your laws are far from him; 5 he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; 6 I'll always be happy and never have trouble."
7 His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; 7 trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8 He lies in wait near the villages; 8 from ambush he murders the innocent, 8 watching in secret for his victims.
9 He lies in wait like a lion in cover; 9 he lies in wait to catch the helpless; 9 he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10 His victims are crushed, they collapse; 10 they fall under his strength.
11 He says to himself, "God has forgotten; 11 he covers his face and never sees."
12 Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. 12 Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God? 13 Why does he say to himself, 13 "He won't call me to account"?
14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; 14 you consider it to take it in hand. 14 The victim commits himself to you; 14 you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; 15 call him to account for his wickedness 15 that would not be found out.
16 The Lord is King for ever and ever; 16 the nations will perish from his land.
17 You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; 17 you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed, 18 in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
