JEREMIAH’S COMPLAINT

10 Woe is me, my mother,

that you gave birth to me,ab

a man who incites dispute and conflict

in all the land.

I did not lend or borrow,

yet everyone curses me.ac

THE LORD’S RESPONSE

11 The Lord said:

Haven’t I set you loose for your good? Haven’t I punished you

in a time of trouble,

in a time of distress

with the enemy?A

12 Can anyone smash iron,

iron from the north, or bronze?

13 I will give up your wealth

and your treasures as plunder,

without cost,a for all your sins

in all your borders.

14 Then I will make you serve your enemiesB

in a land you do not know,

for my anger will kindle a fire

that will burn against you.b

JEREMIAH’S PRAYER FOR VENGEANCE

15 You know,c Lord;

remember me and take note of me.d

Avenge me against my persecutors.e

In your patience,C don’t take me away.

Know that I suffer disgrace for your honor.f

16 Your words were found, and I ate them.g

Your words became a delight to me

and the joy of my heart,

for I bear your name,h

Lord God of Armies.

17 I never sat with the band of revelers,

and I did not celebrate with them.

Because your hand was on me, I sat alone,i

for you filled me with indignation.

18 Why has my pain become unending,

my wound incurable,j

refusing to be healed?

You truly have become like a mirage to me—

water that is not reliable.

JEREMIAH TOLD TO REPENT

19 Therefore, this is what the Lord says:

If you return, I will take you back;

you will stand in my presence.

And if you speak noble words,

rather than worthless ones,

you will be my spokesman.k

It is they who must return to you;

you must not return to them.