<p class="poetry">I have seen ruthless evil men<n id="1" />p> <p class="poetry">growing in influence, like a green tree grows in its native soil.<n id="2" />p>

<p class="poetry">If I had harbored sin in my heart,<n id="1" />p> <p class="poetry">the Lord would not have listened.p>

<p class="poetry">I realize that everything has its limits,p> <p class="poetry">but your commands are beyond full comprehension.<n id="1" />p>

<p class="poetry">I take note of the treacherous and despise them,p> <p class="poetry">because they do not keep your instructions.<n id="1" />p>

<p class="poetry">I was once young, now I am old.p> <p class="poetry">I have never seen a godly man abandoned,p> <p class="poetry">or his children<n id="1" /> forced to search for food.<n id="2" />p>

<p class="poetry">Confuse them,<n id="1" /> O Lord!p> <p class="poetry">Frustrate their plans!<n id="2" />p> <p class="poetry">For I see violence and conflict in the city.p>