The Perils of the Pilgrim

1Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why dost thou overlook us in times of need, in affliction?

2While the ungodly one acts proudly, the poor is hotly pursued: the wicked are taken in the crafty counsels which they imagine.

3Because the sinner praises himself for the desires of his heart; and the unjust one blesses himself.

4The sinner has provoked the Lord: according to the abundance of his pride he will not seek after him: God is not before him.

5His ways are profane at all times; thy judgments are removed from before him: he will gain the mastery over all his enemies.

6For he has said in his heart, I shall not be moved, continuing without evil from generation to generation.

7Whose mouth is full of cursing, and bitterness, and fraud: under his tongue are trouble and pain.

8He lies in wait with rich men in secret places, in order to slay the innocent: his eyes are set against the poor.

9He lies in wait in secret as a lion in his den: he lies in wait to ravish the poor, to ravish the poor when he draws him after him: he will bring him down in his snare.

10He will bow down and fall when he has mastered the poor.

11For he has said in his heart, God has forgotten: he has turned away his face so as never to look.

12Arise, O Lord God; let thy hand be lifted up: forget not the poor.

13Wherefore, has the wicked provoked God? for he has said in his heart, He will not require it.

14Thou seest it; for thou dost observe trouble and wrath, to deliver them into thy hands: the poor has been left to thee; thou wast a helper to the orphan.

15Break thou the arm of the sinner and wicked man: his sin shall be sought for, and shall not be found.

16The Lord shall reign for ever, even for ever and ever: ye Gentiles shall perish out his land.

17The Lord has heard the desire of the poor: thine ear has inclined to the preparation of their heart;

18to plead for the orphan and afflicted, that man may no more boast upon the earth.