14. Are friends loyal to the one who despairs,or do they stop fearing the Almighty?
15. My companions are treacherous like a stream in the desert,like channels that overrun their streambeds,
16. like those darkened by thawing ice,in which snow is obscured
17. but that stop flowing in dry timesand vanish from their channels in heat.
18. Caravans turn aside from their paths;they go up into untamed areas and perish.
19. Caravans from Tema look;merchants from Sheba hope for it.
20. They are ashamed that they trusted;they arrive and are dismayed.
21. That’s what you are like;you see something awful and are afraid.
22. Have I said, "Give me something?Offer a bribe from your wealth for me?
23. Rescue me from the hand of my enemy?Ransom me from the grip of the ruthless?"
24. Instruct me and I’ll be quiet;inform me how I’ve erred.
25. How painful are truthful words,but what do your condemnations accomplish?
26. Do you intend to correct my words,to treat the words of a hopeless man as wind?
27. Would you even gamble over an orphan,barter away your friend?
28. Now look at me—would I lie to your face?
29. Turn! Don’t be faithless.Turn now! I am righteous.
30. Is there wrong on my tongue,or can my mouth not recognize disaster?