2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,

and thou wilt not hear?

Or cry to thee “Violence!”

and thou wilt not save?

3 Why dost thou make me see wrongs

and look upon trouble?

Destruction and violence are before me;

strife and contention arise.

4 So the law is slacked

and justice never goes forth.

For the wicked surround the righteous,

so justice goes forth perverted.