Charles Ellicott Commentary Habakkuk 1:1-4

"The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. O Jehovah, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear? I cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save. Why dost thou show me iniquity, and look upon perverseness? for destruction and violence are before me; and there is strife, and contention riseth up. Therefore the law is slacked, and justice doth never go forth; for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore justice goeth forth perverted." — Habakkuk 1:1-4 (ASV)

Habakkuk complains of the apparent triumph of wickedness among his countrymen.