1Why, O YHWH, do you stand afar off? Why do you hide in times of trouble?
2In the pride of the wicked the afflicted is hotly pursued; let them be caught in the schemes which they have devised.
3For the wicked has boasted over the desire of his soul (nephesh); and the greedy for gain blesses, he scorns YHWH.
4The wicked, in the loftiness of his face, does not seek; all his thoughts are, "There is no God."
5His ways prosper at all times; your judgments (mishpat) are on high, away from before him; all his adversaries—he puffs at them.
6He says in his heart, "I shall not be moved; to generation and generation I shall not be in adversity."
7His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue is mischief and iniquity.
8He sits in the lurking-place of the villages; in the hiding places he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in secret for the hapless.
9He lurks in the hiding place like a lion in its lair; he lurks to seize the afflicted; he seizes the afflicted when he draws him into his net.
10He crouches, he bows down, and the host of the hapless falls by his mighty ones.
11He says in his heart, "God has forgotten; he has hidden his face, he never sees."
12Arise, O YHWH; O God, lift up your hand; do not forget the humble.
13Why does the wicked scorn God, and say in his heart, "You will not require"?
14You have seen, for you behold trouble and vexation, to take it into your hand; upon you the hapless leaves himself; the orphan—you have been a helper.
15Break the arm of the wicked; and as for the evil one, seek out his wickedness until you find none.
16YHWH is King forever and ever; the nations have perished from his land.
17You have heard the desire of the humble, O YHWH; you will establish their heart, you will incline your ear;
18To judge the orphan and the crushed, that man of the earth may terrify no more.