Add parallel Print Page Options

The Lord Punishes the Guilty

Lord God, you punish
    the guilty.
Show what you are like
    and punish them now.
You judge the earth.
    Come and help us!
Pay back those proud people
    for what they have done.
How long will the wicked
    celebrate and be glad?

All of those cruel people
    strut and boast,
and they crush and wound
    your chosen nation, Lord.
They murder widows,
    foreigners, and orphans.
Then they say,
“The Lord God of Jacob
    doesn't see or know.”

Can't you fools see?
    Won't you ever learn?
God gave us ears and eyes!
    Can't he hear and see?
10 God instructs the nations
and gives knowledge to us all.
    Won't he also correct us?
11 (A) The Lord knows how useless
    our plans really are.

12 Our Lord, you bless everyone
that you instruct and teach
    by using your Law.
13 You give them rest
    from their troubles,
until a pit can be dug
    for the wicked.
14 You won't turn your back
    on your chosen nation.
15 Justice and fairness
    will go hand in hand,
and all who do right
    will follow along.

16 Who will stand up for me
    against those cruel people?
17 If you had not helped me, Lord,
I would soon have gone
    to the land of silence.[a]
18 When I felt my feet slipping,
you came with your love
    and kept me steady.
19 And when I was burdened
    with worries,
you comforted me
    and made me feel secure.
20 But you are opposed
    to dishonest lawmakers
21 who gang up to murder
    innocent victims.

22 You, Lord God, are my fortress,
that mighty rock[b]
    where I am safe.
23 You will pay back my enemies,
and you will wipe them out
    for the evil they did.

Footnotes

  1. 94.17 land of silence: The grave or the world of the dead.
  2. 94.22 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.

Bible Gateway Recommends