1 This is the oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw: 2 How long, Lord, must I cry for help? But you do not listen! I call out to you, “Violence!” But you do not deliver! 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.

1 For the music director, a psalm of David. How long, Lord, will you continue to ignore me? How long will you pay no attention to me? 2 How long must I worry, and suffer in broad daylight? How long will my enemy gloat over me? 3 Look at me! Answer me, O Lord my God! Revive me, or else I will die.