← The Psalm world
Illustration for Psalm 10: A Prayer Against the Oppressor

Psalm 10

A Prayer Against the Oppressor

When AfraidComfort

This psalm asks God why it sometimes seems like He's far away when bad things are happening. The writer sees mean people hurting others and asks God to step in and help. God does hear those who are hurting and will bring justice.

  1. 1Why do You stand far off, O LORD? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
  2. 2In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor; let them be caught in the schemes they have devised.
  3. 3For the wicked man boasts of his heart's desire, and the one who is greedy for gain curses and spurns the LORD.
  4. 4In his pride the wicked man does not seek God; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
  5. 5His ways are always successful; Your judgments are far removed from him; he sneers at all his enemies.
  6. 6He says in his heart, "I will not be moved; I will never be in adversity."
  7. 7His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and oppression; under his tongue are trouble and iniquity.
  8. 8He sits in ambush in the villages; in hiding places he murders the innocent. His eyes watch for the helpless.
  9. 9He lies in wait in a hidden place like a lion in his thicket; he lurks to catch the poor; he catches the poor when he draws them into his net.
  10. 10He crouches and bows down, and the helpless fall by his might.
  11. 11He says in his heart, "God has forgotten; He has hidden His face and will never notice."
  12. 12Arise, O LORD! O God, lift up Your hand! Do not forget the humble.
  13. 13Why does the wicked man despise God? He says in his heart, "You will not call him to account."
  14. 14But You have seen it, for You observe trouble and grief, to take it in hand. The helpless man commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.
  15. 15Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call his wickedness to account until none is found.
  16. 16The LORD is King forever and ever; the nations will perish from His land.
  17. 17You have heard the desire of the humble, O LORD; You will prepare their heart; You will incline Your ear
  18. 18to vindicate the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth will terrify no more.

What it means

Sometimes it feels like God is far away and bad people are winning. But God sees every wrong thing — nothing escapes Him. He is the helper of the helpless and He listens to those who are hurting.

A little prayer

Lord, sometimes it feels like You're far away and unfair things keep happening. But I know You see everything. Be near to those who are hurting today — including me. You hear us. Amen.

Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)