1O LORD God , to whom vengeance belongeth; O God , to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. 2Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth : render a reward to the proud . 3LORD , how long shall the wicked , how long shall the wicked triumph ? 4How long shall they utter and speak hard things ? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? 5They break in pieces thy people , O LORD , and afflict thine heritage . 6They slay the widow and the stranger , and murder the fatherless . 7Yet they say , The LORD shall not see , neither shall the God of Jacob regard it .
God's Sovereignty and Knowledge
8Understand , ye brutish among the people : and ye fools , when will ye be wise ? 9He that planted the ear , shall he not hear ? he that formed the eye , shall he not see ? 10He that chastiseth the heathen , shall not he correct ? he that teacheth man knowledge , shall not he know ? 11The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man , that they are vanity .
The Assurance of God's Justice
12Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest , O LORD , and teachest him out of thy law ; 13That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity , until the pit be digged for the wicked . 14For the LORD will not cast off his people , neither will he forsake his inheritance . 15But judgment shall return unto righteousness : and all the upright in heart shall follow it.
The Comfort of God's Presence
16Who will rise up for me against the evildoers ? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity ? 17Unless the LORD had been my help , my soul had almost dwelt in silence . 18When I said , My foot slippeth ; thy mercy , O LORD , held me up . 19In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul . 20Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law ? 21They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous , and condemn the innocent blood . 22But the LORD is my defence ; and my God is the rock of my refuge . 23And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity , and shall cut them off in their own wickedness ; yea , the LORD our God shall cut them off .