12. Is my strength and endurance that of stones? Or is my flesh made of bronze?
13. Is it not that I have no help in myself, and that wisdom is quite driven from me?
14. To him who is about to faint and despair, kindness is due from his friend, lest he forsake the fear of the Almighty.
15. [You] my brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away,
16. Which are black and turbid by reason of the ice, and in which the snows hides itself;
17. When they get warm, they shrink and disappear; when it is hot, they vanish out of their place.
18. The caravans which travel by way of them turn aside; they go into the waste places and perish. [Such is my disappointment in you, the friends I fully trusted.]
19. The caravans of Tema looked [for water], the companies of Sheba waited for them [in vain].
20. They were confounded because they had hoped [to find water]; they came there and were bitterly disappointed.
21. Now to me you are [like a dried-up brook]; you see my dismay and terror, and [believing me to be a victim of God's anger] you are afraid [to sympathize with me].
22. Did I ever say, Bring me a gift, or Pay a bribe on my account from your wealth
23. To deliver me from the adversary's hand, or Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?
24. Teach me, and I will hold my peace; and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
25. How forcible are words of straightforward speech! But what does your arguing argue and prove or your reproof reprove?