Psalm 10

1

Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the

schemes he devises.

3

He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.

4

In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room

for God.

5

His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him;

he sneers at all his enemies.

6

He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have

trouble."

7

His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under

his tongue.

8

He lies in wait near the villagess; from ambush he murders the innocent,

watching in secret for his victims.

9

He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless and

drags them off in his net.

10

His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.

11

He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees."

12

Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.

13

Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself,

"He won't call me account"?

14

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it

in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper

of the fatherless.

15

Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for

his wickedness that would not be found out.

16

The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.

17

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them,

and you listen to their cry,

18

defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of

the earth, may terrify no more.