[1] Why do you stand far off, Yahweh? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
[2] In arrogance, the wicked hunt down the weak. They are caught in the schemes that they devise.
[3] For the wicked boasts of his heart’s cravings. He blesses the greedy, and condemns Yahweh.
[4] The wicked, in the pride of his face, has no room in his thoughts for God.
[5] His ways are prosperous at all times. He is haughty, and your laws are far from his sight. As for all his adversaries, he sneers at them.
[6] He says in his heart, “I shall not be shaken. For generations I shall have no trouble.”
[7] His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression. Under his tongue is mischief and iniquity.
[8] He lies in wait near the villages. From ambushes, he murders the innocent. His eyes are secretly set against the helpless.
[9] He lurks in secret as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. He catches the helpless, when he draws him in his net.
[10] The helpless are crushed. They collapse. They fall under his strength.
[11] He says in his heart, “God has forgotten. He hides his face. He will never see it.”
[12] Arise, Yahweh! God, lift up your hand! Don’t forget the helpless.
[13] Why does the wicked person condemn God, and say in his heart, “God won’t call me into account?”
[14] But you do see trouble and grief. You consider it to take it into your hand. You help the victim and the fatherless.
[15] Break the arm of the wicked. As for the evil man, seek out his wickedness until you find none.
[16] Yahweh is King forever and ever! The nations will perish out of his land.
[17] Yahweh, you have heard the desire of the humble. You will prepare their heart. You will cause your ear to hear,
[18] to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more.