1. Lord, why are you so far away? Why do you hide when there is trouble?
2. Proudly the wicked chase down those who suffer. Let them be caught in their own traps.
3. They brag about the things they want. They bless the greedy but hate the Lord.
4. The wicked people are too proud. They do not look for God; there is no room for God in their thoughts.
5. They always succeed. They are far from keeping your laws; they make fun of their enemies.
6. They say to themselves, "Nothing bad will ever happen to me; I will never be ruined."
7. Their mouths are full of curses, lies, and threats; they use their tongues for sin and evil.
8. They hide near the villages. They look for innocent people to kill; they watch in secret for the helpless.
9. They wait in hiding like a lion. They wait to catch poor people; they catch the poor in nets.
10. The poor are thrown down and crushed; they are defeated because the others are stronger.
11. The wicked think, "God has forgotten us. He doesn't see what is happening."
12. Lord, rise up and punish the wicked. Don't forget those who need help.
13. Why do wicked people hate God? They say to themselves, "God won't punish us."
14. Lord, surely you see these cruel and evil things; look at them and do something. People in trouble look to you for help. You are the one who helps the orphans.
15. Break the power of wicked people. Punish them for the evil they have done.
16. The Lord is King forever and ever. Destroy from your land those nations that do not worship you.
17. Lord, you have heard what the poor people want. Do what they ask, and listen to them.
18. Protect the orphans and put an end to suffering so they will no longer be afraid of evil people. For the director of music. Of David.