1 Why do you stand far off, O Yahweh? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 In the pride of the wicked the poor is hotly pursued; Let them be taken in the devices that they have conceived.

3 For the wicked boasts of his heart's desire, And the covetous curses, [yes], scorns Yahweh.

4 The wicked, in the pride of his countenance, [says], He will not require [it]. All his thoughts are, There is no God.

5 His ways are firm at all times; Your judgments are far above out of his sight: As for all his adversaries, he puffs at them.

6 He says in his heart, I will not be moved; To all generations I will not be in adversity.

7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression: Under his tongue is mischief and iniquity.

8 He sits in the lurking-places of the villages; In the secret places he murders the innocent; His eyes are secretly set against the helpless.

9 He lurks in secret as a lion in his covert; He lies in wait to catch the poor: He catches the poor, when he draws him in his net.

10 He crouches, he bows down, And the helpless fall by his strong ones.

11 He says in his heart, God has forgotten; He hides his face; he will never see it.

12 Arise, O Yahweh; O God, lift up your hand: Do not forget the poor.

13 Why does the wicked despise God, And say in his heart, You will not require [it]?

14 You have seen [it]; for you behold mischief and spite, to requite it with your hand: The helpless commits [himself] to you; You have been the helper of the fatherless.

15 Break the arm of the wicked; And as for the evil man, seek out his wickedness until you find none.

16 Yahweh is King forever and ever: The nations have perished out of his land.

17 Yahweh, you have heard the desire of the meek: You will prepare their heart, you will cause your ear to hear;

18 To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, That common man who is of the earth may be terrible no more.