1
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Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble? |
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2
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In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. |
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3
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For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. |
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4
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In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God. |
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5
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He is secure in his ways at all times; Your lofty judgments are far from him; he sneers at all his foes. |
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6
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He says to himself, “I will not be moved; from age to age I am free of distress.” |
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7
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His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence; trouble and malice are under his tongue. |
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8
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He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. |
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9
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He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. |
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10
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They are crushed and beaten down; the hapless fall prey to his strength. |
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11
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He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.” |
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12
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Arise, O LORD! Lift up Your hand, O God! Do not forget the helpless. |
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13
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Why has the wicked man renounced God? He says to himself, “You will never call me to account.” |
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14
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But You have regarded trouble and grief; You see to repay it by Your hand. The victim entrusts himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. |
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15
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Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call him to account for his wickedness until none is left to be found. |
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16
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The LORD is King forever and ever; the nations perish from His land. |
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17
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You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear, |
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18
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to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more. |
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