They kill the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless.

They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”

He who affixed the ear, can He not hear? He who formed the eye, can He not see?

Unless the LORD had been my helper, I would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.

If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me.

When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.

Can a corrupt throne be Your ally—one devising mischief by decree?

But the LORD has been my stronghold, and my God is my rock of refuge.

Do not hide Your face from me in my day of distress. Incline Your ear to me; answer me quickly when I call.

For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers.

My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread.

Through my loud groaning my skin hangs on my bones.

I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.

I lie awake; I am like a lone bird on a housetop.

All day long my enemies taunt me; they ridicule me and curse me.

For I have eaten ashes like bread and mixed my drink with tears

because of Your indignation and wrath, for You have picked me up and cast me aside.

My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.

He has broken my strength on the way; He has cut short my days.

I say: “O my God, do not take me in the midst of my days! Your years go on through all generations.

He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.

For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.

Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress.

And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.