11. We growl like bearsand mourn like doves.We hope for justice and victory,but they escape us.
12. How often have we sinnedand turned against you,the Lord God?Our sins condemn us!We have done wrong.
13. We have rebelled and refusedto follow you.Our hearts were deceitful,and so we lied;we planned to abuse othersand turn our backs on you.
14. Injustice is everywhere;justice seems far away.Truth is chased out of court;honesty is shoved aside.
15. Everyone tells lies;those who turn from crimeend up ruined.When the Lord noticedthat justice had disappeared,he became very displeased.
16. It disgusted him even moreto learn that no onewould do a thing about it.So with his own powerful arm,he won victories for truth.
17. Justice was the Lord's armour;saving power was his helmet;anger and revengewere his clothes.
18. Now the Lord will get furiousand do to his enemies,both near and far,what they did to his people.
19. He will attack like a floodin a mighty storm.Nations in the west and the eastwill then honour and praisehis wonderful name.
20. The Lord has promised to rescuethe city of Zionand Jacob's descendantswho turn from sin.