Jeremiah 1:6–10

6 But I protested, “Oh no, Lord God! Look, I don’t know how to speakh since I am only a youth.”i

7 Then the Lord said to me:

Do not say, “I am only a youth,”j

for you will go to everyone I send you to

and speak whatever I tell you.k

8 Do not be afraid of anyone,l

for I will be with you to rescue you.m

This is the Lord’s declaration.

9 Then the Lord reached out his hand, touched my mouth,n and told me:

I have now filled your mouth with my words.o

10 See, I have appointed you today

over nations and kingdoms

to uproot and tear down,

to destroy and demolish,p

to build and plant.q