1
Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
2
In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3
He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.
4
In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5
His ways are always prosperous; your laws are rejected by him; he sneers at all his enemies.
6
He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.”
7
His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.
8
He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes watch in secret for his victims;
9
like a lion in cover he lies in wait. He lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
10
His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.
11
He says to himself, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees.”