¹ Why, Adonai, are You standing far off?
Why hide Yourself in times of trouble?
² In pride the wicked hotly hunts the poor.
Let them be caught in the plots they have planned.
³ For the wicked one boasts about his soul’s desire.
The greedy one curses, reviling Adonai.
⁴ The wicked one, with his nose in the air, never seeks Him.
All his thoughts are: “There is no God.”
⁵ His ways are secure at all times.
He haughtily disregards Your judgments.
He snorts at all his adversaries.
⁶ He says in his heart: “I’ll never be shaken!
From generation to generation nothing bad will happen.”
⁷ His mouth is full of cursing, lies and oppression.
On his tongue are trouble and iniquity.^[a]
8 He lies in ambush near villages.
In hidden places he slays the innocent.
His eyes watch in secret for the helpless.
⁹ He lurks in a hiding place like a lion in a thicket.
He lies in wait to catch the helpless.
He catches the unfortunate one, dragging him away in his net.
¹⁰ The victim is crushed, brought down,
and falls into his mighty claws.
¹¹ He says in his heart: “God has forgotten.
He hides His face—He will never see it.”
¹² Arise, Adonai! O God, lift up Your hand.
Do not forget the afflicted.
¹³ Why does the wicked one revile God?
He says in his heart:
“You will never require anything.”
¹⁴ You saw—for You see trouble and grief,
    to take it in Your hand.
The victim puts his trust in You—
You are the helper of the orphan.
¹⁵ Break the arm of the wicked, evil one!
Call him to account for his wickedness—
    until no more is found.
¹⁶ Adonai is King forever and ever!
Nations will be wiped off His land.
¹⁷ You hear, Adonai, the desire of the meek.
You encourage them and incline Your ear.
¹⁸ You vindicate the orphan and oppressed,
so that man, who is earthly, may terrify no more.