The Perils of the Pilgrim

Why, O LORD, do You stand far off?

Why do You hide in times of trouble?

2 In pride the wicked pursue the needy;

let them be caught in the schemes they devise.

3 For the wicked man boasts in 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 schemes there is no God.

5 He is secure in his ways at all times;

Your lofty judgments are far from him;

he sneers at all his foes.

6 He says to himself, “I will not be moved;

from age to age I am free of distress.”

7 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit,[fn] and violence;

trouble and malice are under his tongue.

8 He lies in wait near the villages;

in ambush he slays the innocent;

his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless.

9 He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket;

he lurks to seize the oppressed;

he catches the lowly in his net.

10 They are crushed and beaten down;[fn]

the hapless fall prey to his strength.

11 He says to himself, “God has forgotten;

He hides His face and never sees.”

12 Arise, O LORD! Lift up Your hand, O God!

Do not forget the helpless.

13 Why has the wicked man renounced God?

He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.”

14 But You have regarded trouble and grief;

You see to repay it by Your hand.

The victim entrusts himself to You;

You are the helper of the fatherless.

15 Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;

call him to account for his wickedness

until none is left to be found.

16 The LORD is King forever and ever;

the nations perish from His land.

17 You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble;

You will strengthen their hearts.

You will incline Your ear,

18 to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed,

that the men of the earth

may strike terror no more.