1O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs-- O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!

2Rise up, O Judge of the earth; Render punishment to the proud.

3LORD, how long will the wicked, How long will the wicked triumph?

4They utter speech, and speak insolent things; All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.

5They break in pieces Your people, O LORD, And afflict Your heritage.

6They slay the widow and the stranger, And murder the fatherless.

7Yet they say, "The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob understand."

8Understand, you senseless among the people; And you fools, when will you be wise?

9He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?

10He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct, He who teaches man knowledge?

11The LORD knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile.

12Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, And teach out of Your law,

13That You may give him rest from the days of adversity, Until the pit is dug for the wicked.

14For the LORD will not cast off His people, Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

15But judgment will return to righteousness, And all the upright in heart will follow it.

16Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

17Unless the LORD had been my help, My soul would soon have settled in silence.

18If I say, "My foot slips," Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.

19In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

20Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law, Have fellowship with You?

21They gather together against the life of the righteous, And condemn innocent blood.

22But the LORD has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge.

23He has brought on them their own iniquity, And shall cut them off in their own wickedness; The LORD our God shall cut them off.