The Perils of the Pilgrim

1So then, why, O Lord, have you withdrawn far away? Why have you overlooked us in opportunity, in tribulation?

2While the impious is arrogant, the poor is enflamed. They are held by the counsels that they devise.

3For the sinner is praised by the desires of his soul, and the iniquitous is blessed.

4The sinner has provoked the Lord; according to the multitude of his wrath, he will not seek him.

5God is not before his sight. His ways are stained at all times. Your judgments are removed from his face. He will be master of all his enemies.

6For he has said in his heart, “I will not be disturbed: from generation to generation without evil.”

7His mouth is full of curses, and bitterness, and deceit. Under his tongue are hardship and sorrow.

8He sits in ambush, with resources in hidden places, so that he may execute the innocent.

9His eyes catch sight of the poor. He lies in ambush, in hiding like a lion in his den. He lies in ambush, so that he may seize the poor, to seize the poor as he draws him in.

10With his snare, he will bring him down. He will crouch down and pounce, when he has power over the poor.

11For he has said in his heart, “God has forgotten, he has turned away his face, lest he see to the end.”

12O Lord God, rise up. Let your hand be exalted. Do not forget the poor.

13How has the impious one provoked God? For he has said in his heart, “He will not inquire.”

14You do see, for you examine hardship and sorrow, so that you may deliver them into your hands. The poor one has been abandoned to you. You will be a helper to the orphan.

15Break the arm of the sinner and the malicious. His sin will be sought, and it will not be found.

16The Lord shall reign in eternity, even forever and ever. You will perish the Gentiles from his land.

17The Lord has heeded the desire of the poor. Your ear has listened to the preparation of their heart,

18so as to judge for the orphan and the humble, so that man may no longer presume to magnify himself upon the earth.