1 O LORD , the God who avenges,
O God who avenges, shine forth. |
2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
pay back to the proud what they deserve. |
3 How long will the wicked, O LORD ,
how long will the wicked be jubilant? |
4 They pour out arrogant words;
all the evildoers are full of boasting. |
5 They crush your people, O LORD ;
they oppress your inheritance. |
6 They slay the widow and the alien;
they murder the fatherless. |
7 They say, "The LORD does not see;
the God of Jacob pays no heed." |
8 Take heed, you senseless ones among the people;
you fools, when will you become wise? |
9 Does he who implanted the ear not hear?
Does he who formed the eye not see? |
10 Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
Does he who teaches man lack knowledge? |
11 The LORD knows the thoughts of man;
he knows that they are futile. |
12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD ,
the man you teach from your law; |
13 you grant him relief from days of trouble,
till a pit is dug for the wicked. |
14 For the LORD will not reject his people;
he will never forsake his inheritance. |
15 Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
and all the upright in heart will follow it. |
16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
Who will take a stand for me against evildoers? |
17 Unless the LORD had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. |
18 When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD , supported me. |
19 When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul. |
20 Can a corrupt throne be allied with you-
one that brings on misery by its decrees? |
21 They band together against the righteous
and condemn the innocent to death. |
22 But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. |
23 He will repay them for their sins
and destroy them for their wickedness;
the LORD our God will destroy them. |
