1 W hy do you stand far off, Yahweh? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 I n arrogance, the wicked hunt down the weak. They are caught in the schemes that they devise.

3 F or the wicked boasts of his heart’s cravings. He blesses the greedy, and condemns Yahweh.

4 T he wicked, in the pride of his face, has no room in his thoughts for God.

5 H is 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 H e says in his heart, “I shall not be shaken. For generations I shall have no trouble.”

7 H is mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression. Under his tongue is mischief and iniquity.

8 H e lies in wait near the villages. From ambushes, he murders the innocent. His eyes are secretly set against the helpless.

9 H e 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 T he helpless are crushed. They collapse. They fall under his strength.

11 H e says in his heart, “God has forgotten. He hides his face. He will never see it.”

12 A rise, Yahweh! God, lift up your hand! Don’t forget the helpless.

13 W hy does the wicked person condemn God, and say in his heart, “God won’t call me into account?”

14 B ut you do see trouble and grief. You consider it to take it into your hand. You help the victim and the fatherless.

15 B reak the arm of the wicked. As for the evil man, seek out his wickedness until you find none.

16 Y ahweh is King forever and ever! The nations will perish out of his land.

17 Y ahweh, you have heard the desire of the humble. You will prepare their heart. You will cause your ear to hear,

18 t o judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that man who is of the earth may terrify no more.