*Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,* says the LORD; *I will set him in safety from those who malign him.*
for that is his only covering, it is his garment for his skin. What would he sleep in? It will happen, when he cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.
Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.
Now therefore, what do I here, says the LORD, seeing that my people is taken away for nothing? those who rule over them do howl, says the LORD, and my name continually all the day is blasphemed.
Righteous are you, LORD, when I contend with you; yet would I reason the cause with you: why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they at ease who deal very treacherously?
You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, 'How have we wearied him?' In that you say, 'Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them;' or 'Where is the God of justice?'