Jeremiah 20:7–13

Jeremiah Prays to the Lord

⁷O Lord, you have deceived me, and I was deceived. 

You overpowered me and won. 

I’ve been made fun of all day long. 

Everyone mocks me. 

⁸Each time I speak, I have to cry out and shout, 

“Violence and destruction!” 

The Lord’s word has made me the object of insults 

and contempt all day long. 

⁹I think to myself, “I can forget the Lord 

and no longer speak his name.” 

But ⸤his word⸥ is inside me like a burning fire shut up in my bones. 

I wear myself out holding it in, but I can’t do it any longer. 

¹⁰I have heard many ⸤people⸥ whispering, 

“Terror is everywhere! 

Report him! Let’s report him!” 

All my closest friends are waiting to see me stumble. 

They say, “Maybe he will be tricked. 

Then we can overpower him and take revenge on him.” 

¹¹But the Lord is on my side like a terrifying warrior. 

That is why those who persecute me will stumble. They can’t win. 

They will be very ashamed that they can’t succeed. 

Their eternal shame will not be forgotten. 

¹²But the Lord of Armies examines the righteous. 

He sees their motives and thoughts. 

I want to see you take revenge on them, 

because I’ve brought my case to you. 

¹³Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! 

He has rescued the lives of needy people 

from the power of wicked people.