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

¹³⁷ You are righteous,^(A) Lord,
    and your laws are right.^(B)
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;^(C)
    they are fully trustworthy.^(D)
139 My zeal wears me out,^(E)
    for my enemies ignore your words.
¹⁴⁰ Your promises^(F) have been thoroughly tested,^(G)
    and your servant loves them.^(H)
141 Though I am lowly and despised,^(I)
    I do not forget your precepts.^(J)
142 Your righteousness is everlasting
    and your law is true.^(K)
143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
    but your commands give me delight.^(L)
144 Your statutes are always righteous;
    give me understanding^(M) that I may live.