17 He will not ignore the supplication of the orphan,

or the widow when she pours out her complaint.

18 Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek

19 as she cries out against the one who causes them to fall?

20 The one whose service is pleasing to the Lord will be accepted,

and his prayer will reach to the clouds.

21 The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds,

and it will not rest until it reaches its goal;

it will not desist until the Most High responds

22 and does justice for the righteous, and executes judgment.

Indeed, the Lord will not delay,

and like a warriora will not be patient

until he crushes the loins of the unmerciful

23 and repays vengeance on the nations;

until he destroys the multitude of the insolent,

and breaks the scepters of the unrighteous;

24 until he repays mortals according to their deeds,

and the works of all according to their thoughts;

25 until he judges the case of his people

and makes them rejoice in his mercy.

26 His mercy is as welcome in time of distress

as clouds of rain in time of drought.