The LORD punishes the guilty

1LORD God, you punish

the guilty.

Show what you are like

and punish them now.

2You judge the earth.

Come and help us!

Pay back those proud people

for what they have done.

3How long will the wicked

celebrate and be glad?

4All those cruel people

strut and boast,

5and they crush and wound

your chosen nation, LORD.

6They murder widows,

foreigners, and orphans.

7Then they say,

“The LORD God of Jacob

doesn't see or know.”

8Can't you fools see?

Won't you ever learn?

9God gave us ears and eyes!

Can't he hear and see?

10God instructs the nations

and gives knowledge to us all.

Won't he also correct us?

11The LORD knows how useless94.11: 1 Co 3.20.

our plans really are.

12Our LORD, you bless everyone

whom you instruct and teach

by using your Law.

13You give them rest

from their troubles,

until a pit can be dug

for the wicked.

14You won't turn your back

on your chosen nation.

15Justice and fairness

will go hand in hand,

and all who do right

will follow along.

16Who will stand up for me

against those cruel people?

17If you had not helped me, LORD,

I would soon have gone

to the land of silence.94.17 land of silence: The grave or the world of the dead.

18When I felt my feet slipping,

you came with your love

and kept me steady.

19And when I was burdened

with worries,

you comforted me

and made me feel secure.

20But you are opposed

to dishonest lawmakers

21who gang up to murder

innocent victims.

22You, LORD God, are my fortress,

that mighty rock94.22 mighty rock: See the note at 18.2.

where I am safe.

23You will pay back my enemies,

and you will wipe them out

for the evil they did.