8. They hide just outside the villages, waiting to kill innocent people, always looking for any helpless person they can hurt.
9. They are like lions hiding in the bushes to catch weak and helpless animals. They lay their traps for the poor, who are caught in their nets.
10. Again and again they hurt people who are already weak and suffering.
11. They say to themselves, “God has forgotten about us. He is not watching. He will never see what we are doing.”
12. Lord, get up and do something. Punish those who are wicked, God. Don’t forget those who are poor and helpless.
13. The wicked turn against God because they think he will not punish them.
14. But, Lord, you do see the pain and suffering they cause. You see it, so punish them. Those who were left helpless put their trust in you. After all, you are the one who cares for orphans.
15. Break the arms of those who are wicked and evil. Punish them for the evil they have done, and stop them from doing any more.
16. Lord, you are King forever and ever, so I know you will remove the wicked nations from your land.
17. Lord, you have heard what the poor want. Listen to their prayers, and do what they ask.