14 A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friends,A,a

even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.

15 My brothers are as treacherous as a wadi,

as seasonal streams that overflow

16 and become darkenedB because of ice,

and the snow melts into them.

17 The wadis evaporate in warm weather;

they disappear from their channels in hot weather.

18 Caravans turn away from their routes,

go up into the desert, and perish.

19 The caravans of Tema look for these streams.

The traveling merchants of Sheba hope for them.

20 They are ashamed because they had been confident of finding water.

When they arrive there, they are disappointed.b

21 So this is what you have now become to me.C

When you see something dreadful, you are afraid.

22 Have I ever said, “Give me something”

or “Pay a bribe for me from your wealth”

23 or “Deliver me from the enemy’s hand”

or “Redeem me from the hand of the ruthless”?

24 Teach me, and I will be silent.

Help me understand what I did wrong.

25 How painful honest words can be!

But what does your rebuke prove?

26 Do you think that you can disprove my words

or that a despairing man’s words are mere wind?c

27 No doubt you would cast lots for a fatherless child

and negotiate a price to sell your friend.d

28 But now, please look at me;

I will not lie to your face.e

29 Reconsider; don’t be unjust.

Reconsider; my righteousnessf is still the issue.

30 Is there injustice on my tongue

or can my palate not taste disaster?g