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 of 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?
11 The Lord knows how useless
our plans really are.
12Our Lord, you bless everyone
that 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.
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 rock
where I am safe.
23You will pay back my enemies,
and you will wipe them out
for the evil they did.