1
Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why dost thou overlook us in times of need, in affliction?
2
While the ungodly one acts proudly, the poor is hotly pursued: the wicked are taken in the crafty counsels which they imagine.
3
Because the sinner praises himself for the desires of his heart; and the unjust one blesses himself.
4
The sinner has provoked the Lord: according to the abundance of his pride he will not seek after him: God is not before him.
5
His ways are profane at all times; thy judgments are removed from before him: he will gain the mastery over all his enemies.
6
For he has said in his heart, I shall not be moved, continuing without evil from generation to generation.
7
Whose mouth is full of cursing, and bitterness, and fraud: under his tongue are trouble and pain.
8
He lies in wait with rich men in secret places, in order to slay the innocent: his eyes are set against the poor.
9
He lies in wait in secret as a lion in his den: he lies in wait to ravish the poor, to ravish the poor when he draws him after him: he will bring him down in his snare.
10
He will bow down and fall when he has mastered the poor.
11
For he has said in his heart, God has forgotten: he has turned away his face so as never to look.
12
Arise, O Lord God; let thy hand be lifted up: forget not the poor.
13
Wherefore, has the wicked provoked God? for he has said in his heart, He will not require it.
14
Thou seest it; for thou dost observe trouble and wrath, to deliver them into thy hands: the poor has been left to thee; thou wast a helper to the orphan.
15
Break thou the arm of the sinner and wicked man: his sin shall be sought for, and shall not be found.
16
The Lord shall reign for ever, even for ever and ever: ye Gentiles shall perish out his land.
17
The Lord has heard the desire of the poor: thine ear has inclined to the preparation of their heart;
18
to plead for the orphan and afflicted, that man may no more boast upon the earth.