5. Will the wild ass bray when he has grass? Or will the ox bellow when he stands before a full manger?
6. Or can one eat bland food, which is not seasoned with salt? Or can anyone taste that which, if tasted, causes death?
7. The things that my soul was unwilling to touch before, now, because of anguish, are my foods.
8. Who will grant that my petition may arrive and that God may bestow on me what I expect,
9. and that he who, at first, had crushed me, will let loose his hand and cut me down?
10. And may this be my consolation, that in afflicting me with sorrow, although he might not be lenient with me, I still do not contradict the words of the Holy One.
11. For what is my strength, that I may continue? Or what is my goal, so that I may act patiently?
12. My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh made of bronze.
13. Behold, there is no help for me in myself, and my loved ones also have withdrawn from me.
14. He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons the fear of the Lord.
15. My brethren have disregarded me, like a torrent that passes swiftly through the steep valleys.
16. Those who fear frost, snow will rush over them.
17. At that time, when they are scattered, they will perish, and when it becomes hot, they will be freed from their place.