1. The following is the message which God revealed to Habakkuk the prophet:
2. How long, Lord, must I cry for help? But you do not listen!I call out to you, “Violence!” But you do not intervene!
3. Why do you force me to witness injustice?Why do you put up with wrongdoing?Destruction and violence confront me;conflict is present and one must endure strife.
4. For this reason the law lacks power,and justice is never carried out.Indeed, the wicked intimidate the innocent.For this reason justice is perverted.