Psalm 10

Abraham Coles

2 In his pride the wicked still
Is engaged in hot pursuit;
'Gainst the poor contriving ill,
Ceasing not to persecute.

3 Let his cunning serve him not,
In his own devices caught —
Glorying in plunder got,
God is banished from his thought.

Swayed by greed that God condemns,
He, a worshipper of gain,
God renounces, yea, contemns.
Fuller license to obtain.

4 Hear the boaster proudly say:
"I've no fear God will require;
There no God is to repay,
I will have my heart's desire."

5 Always firm against the right
He Thy judgments dares contemn;
They're above him out of sight —
As for foes he puffs at them,

6 Saying, "I shall ne'er be moved;
No calamity I fear."
7 Cursing by his mouth's approved,
Guile and cruelty are dear.

8 He in hamlets lies in wait;
9 Like some savage beast of prey.
Lurks in ambush, watching late,
Hapless ones to seize and slay.

Draws the poor man in his net,
10 Crushes him remorselessly:
11 God, he fancies, doth forget —
Hides his face — will never see.

12 Rise, O Lord, lift up Thy hand;
Let the poor remembered be;
Let the proud one understand
Thou his wickedness dost see.

13 Why should he Thy justice flout?
Saying, Thou wilt not require;
That Thou seest leave no doubt.
Make him feel Thy righteous ire.

14 Make him know 't was at his cost,
He the fatherless did harm:
Let each wicked scheme be crost,
15 Shatter Thou his lifted arm!

Thorough inquisition make
Of the evil he has done —
It pursue and overtake,
Punish it till there is none.

16 Sits Jehovah on His throne,
A just sceptre in His hand,
All the nations, overthrown.
Perish shall from out His Land.

17 Thou of meek hearts art the stay;
18 Thou the orphan wilt redress.
That vain man, a child of clay.
Henceforth may no more oppress.