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 helpless 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