12 You are righteous, Yahweh,
    when I contend with you;
yet I would like to reason the cause with you.
    Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
    Why are they all at ease who deal very treacherously?
² You have planted them. Yes, they have taken root.
    They grow. Yes, they produce fruit.
You are near in their mouth,
    and far from their heart.
³ But you, Yahweh, know me.
    You see me, and test my heart toward you.
Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter,
    and prepare them for the day of slaughter.
⁴ How long will the land mourn,
    and the herbs of the whole country wither?
Because of the wickedness of those who dwell therein,
    the animals and birds are consumed;
because they said,
    “He won’t see our latter end.”