Habakkuk Complains to the Lord

1  The following is the message which God revealed to Habakkuk the prophet:

2  How long, Lord, must I cry for help?

But you do not listen!

I call out to you, “Violence!”

But you do not intervene!

3  Why do you force me to witness injustice?

Why do you put up with wrongdoing?

Destruction and violence confront me;

conflict is present and one must endure strife.

4  For this reason the law lacks power,

and justice is never carried out.

Indeed, the wicked intimidate the innocent.

For this reason justice is perverted.