Psalm 94

The Just Judge

1   LORD, God of vengeance—

God of vengeance, shine! l

2   Rise up, Judge of the earth;

repay the proud what they deserve. m

3   LORD, how long will the wicked—

how long will the wicked celebrate? n

4   They pour out arrogant words;

all the evildoers boast. o

5   LORD, they crush your people;

they oppress your heritage. p

6   They kill the widow and the resident alien

and murder the fatherless. q

7   They say, “The LORD doesn’t see it.

The God of Jacob doesn’t pay attention.” r

8   Pay attention, you stupid people!

Fools, when will you be wise? s

9   Can the one who shaped the ear not hear,

the one who formed the eye not see? t

10   The one who instructs nations,

the one who teaches mankind knowledge—

does he not discipline? u

11   The LORD knows the thoughts of mankind;

they are futile. v

12   LORD, how happy is anyone you discipline

and teach from your law w

13   to give him relief from troubled times

until a pit is dug for the wicked. x

14   The LORD will not leave his people

or abandon his heritage, y

15   for the administration of justice will again be righteous,

and all the upright in heart will follow V it. z

16   Who stands up for me against the wicked?

Who takes a stand for me against evildoers? a

17   If the LORD had not been my helper,

I would soon rest in the silence of death. b

18   If I say, “My foot is slipping,”

your faithful love will support me, LORD. c

19   When I am filled with cares,

your comfort brings me joy. d

20   Can a corrupt throne be your ally,

a throne that makes evil laws? e

21   They band together against the life of the righteous

and condemn the innocent to death. f

22   But the LORD is my refuge;

my God is the rock of my protection. g

23   He will pay them back for their sins

and destroy them for their evil.

The LORD our God will destroy them. h