When Anxieties Multiply

Verses 1–16 · outrage at violence against the vulnerable

1. ^{verse 1}O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth.
2. ^{verse 2}Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render a reward to the proud.
3. ^{verse 3}How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult?
4. ^{verse 4}They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast.
5. ^{verse 5}They crush Your people, O LORD; they oppress Your heritage.
6. ^{verse 6}They kill the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.
7. ^{verse 7}They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”
8. ^{verse 8}Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise?
9. ^{verse 9}He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see?
10. ^{verse 10}He who admonishes the nations, does He not discipline? He who teaches man, does He lack knowledge?
11. ^{verse 11}The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.
12. ^{verse 12}Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law,
13. ^{verse 13}to grant him relief from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked.
14. ^{verse 14}For the LORD will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage.
15. ^{verse 15}Surely judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.
16. ^{verse 16}Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand for me against the workers of iniquity?

Verses 17–23 · personal comfort in God's steadfast love

1. ^{verse 17}Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.
2. ^{verse 18}If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me.
3. ^{verse 19}When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.
4. ^{verse 20}Can a corrupt throne be Your ally — one devising mischief by decree?
5. ^{verse 21}They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.
6. ^{verse 22}But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge.
7. ^{verse 23}He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them.