Psalm 10 — Prayer for Righteousness

1 O Lord, why do You remain far away and hide Yourself in times of trouble? 2 Because of the wicked one’s arrogance the poor is persecuted. Let him be caught in the schemes that he himself has devised. 3 For the wicked boasts in the desires of his heart, and the greedy curses and despises the Lord. 4 The wicked, with his proud face, does not seek God. There is no God in all his thoughts. 5 His ways are burdensome at all times. Your judgments are far above his sight. He puffs himself up against all his enemies. 6 He says in his heart, “I will not be shaken. from generation to generation I will not see misfortune.” 7 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence. Under his tongue there is evil and lawlessness. 8 He sits in the hidden places of the villages. in secret places he kills the innocent. His eyes secretly watch the defenseless. 9 He lies in ambush in secret like a lion in his den. He lies in ambush to seize the poor, and he seizes him by drawing him into his net. 10 He crouches and bows down, so that the defenseless may fall under his claws. 11 He says in his heart, “God has forgotten, He has hidden His face and will never see.” 12 Rise up, Lord God, lift up Your hand, and do not forget the afflicted. 13 Why does the wicked person despise God and say in his heart, “You will not investigate”? 14 But You see, for You look upon evil and grief, so that You may repay with Your hand. The defenseless entrusts himself to You. You are the helper of the orphan. 15 Break the arm of the wicked and evil man, so that You may seek out his wickedness and find it no more. 16 The Lord is King forever and ever. The nations have perished from His land. 17 Lord, You have heard the desire of the poor. You will strengthen their heart and will listen to their prayer. 18 So that You may bring justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that man, who is from the earth, may no longer persecute him.