12 How often have we sinnedand turned against you,the Lord God?Our sins condemn us!We have done wrong.
13 We have rebelled and refusedto follow you.Our hearts were deceitful,and so we lied;we planned to abuse othersand turn our backs on you.
14 Injustice is everywhere;justice seems far away.Truth is chased out of court;honesty is shoved aside.
15 Everyone tells lies;those who turn from crimeend up ruined.When the Lord noticedthat justice had disappeared,he became very displeased.
16 It disgusted him even moreto learn that no onewould do a thing about it.So with his own powerful arm,he won victories for truth.
17 Justice was the Lord's armor;saving power was his helmet;anger and revengewere his clothes.
18 Now the Lord will get furiousand do to his enemies,both near and far,what they did to his people.