Habakkuk 1:2-4

Easy-to-Read Version

²Lord, I continue to ask for help. When will you listen to me? I cried to you about the violence, but you did nothing! ³People are stealing things and hurting others. They are arguing and fighting. Why do you make me look at these terrible things? ⁴The law is weak and not fair to people. Evil people win their fights against good people. So the law is no longer fair, and justice does not win anymore.

Read full chapter

Habakkuk 1:2-4

New International Version

Habakkuk’s Complaint

²How long,^(A) Lord, must I call for help,
    but you do not listen?^(B)
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
    but you do not save?^(C)
³Why do you make me look at injustice?
    Why do you tolerate^(D) wrongdoing?^(E)
Destruction and violence^(F) are before me;
    there is strife,^(G) and conflict abounds.
⁴Therefore the law^(H) is paralyzed,
    and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
    so that justice^(I) is perverted.^(J)

Read full chapter

Habakkuk 1:2-4

Amplified Bible

²
O Lord, how long will I call for help
And You will not hear?
I cry out to You, “Violence!”
Yet You do not save.
³
Why do You make me see iniquity,
And cause me to look on wickedness?
For destruction and violence are before me;
Strife continues and contention arises.
⁴
Therefore, the law is ineffective and ignored
And justice is never upheld,
For the wicked surround the righteous;
Therefore, justice becomes perverted.