Why do You make me (A)see iniquity,
And cause me to look on wickedness?
Yes, (B)destruction and violence are before me;
(C)Strife exists and contention arises.
Therefore the (D)law is [a]ignored
And justice [b]is never upheld.
For the wicked (E)surround the righteous;
Therefore justice comes out (F)perverted.

(G)Look among the nations! Observe!
Be astonished! (H)Wonder!
Because I am doing (I)something in your days—
You would not believe if [c]you were told.

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Footnotes

  1. Habakkuk 1:4 Or ineffective; lit numbed
  2. Habakkuk 1:4 Lit never goes forth
  3. Habakkuk 1:5 Lit it

Why do you make me look at injustice?
    Why do you tolerate(A) wrongdoing?(B)
Destruction and violence(C) are before me;
    there is strife,(D) and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law(E) is paralyzed,
    and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
    so that justice(F) is perverted.(G)

The Lord’s Answer

“Look at the nations and watch—
    and be utterly amazed.(H)
For I am going to do something in your days
    that you would not believe,
    even if you were told.(I)

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