Why, Jehovah, do you stand aloof
And hide yourself in troublous times?
The wicked in their pride make prey of the poor
And catch them in the traps of their devising.
They flaunt the evil cravings of their heart.
They bless the greedy and curse the divine.
They in their pride will never seek out God,
Who has no place in their philosophy.
They seem to succeed in all they do.
They see your laws as far beneath them.
At their enemies they sneer and scoff.
This is what they say to themselves:
"Nothing can ever affect me;
No evil will ever befall me."
Out of their mouths come curses, lies, and threats;
Under their tongues simmer evil and sin.
Outside the villages they lie in wait,
To ambush and murder the innocent.
Secretly watching for helpless victims,
They lie in wait like a lion in cover,
Ready to pounce on their powerless prey.
Or like a hunter they trap in their nets
Poor unfortunates, then drag them away.
Bruised and bowed, the helpless victims stagger
And fall before the strength of the wicked.
They say to themselves, "God does not notice,
For he covers his eyes and will never see."
Rouse yourself, O Jehovah!
Punish the wicked, O God!
Ignore not the helpless!
Why do the wicked reject the true God? ---
Because they think, "He won't hold me to account."
But you, Jehovah, have seen the misery
And the grief to the poor and downtrodden
The wicked have caused -- and taken note of it.
And those afflicted put their faith in you,
For you are protector to the fatherless.
Stay the hand of the guilty evil-doers!
Bring to light their crimes, otherwise hidden, --
And make them pay for every last one of them!
Jehovah is king forever and ever!
Such nations will be banished from his earth.
You've heard the longing cries of those oppressed.
Heed them, Jehovah, and give strength to their hearts.
Protect the fatherless and downtrodden
So they may no more fear the men of this earth.
