7. You tricked me, Lord,and I was really fooled.You are stronger than I am,and you have defeated me.People never stop sneeringand insulting me.
8. You have let me announceonly destruction and death.Your message has brought menothing but insultsand trouble.
9. Sometimes I tell myselfnot to think about you, Lord,or even mention your name.But your message burnsin my heart and bones,and I cannot keep silent.
10. I heard the crowds whisper,“Everyone is afraid.Now's our chanceto accuse Jeremiah!”All of my so called friendsare just waitingfor me to make a mistake.They say, “Perhaps Jeremiahcan be tricked.Then we can overpower himand get even at last.”
11. But you, Lord,are a mighty soldier,standing at my side.Those troublemakerswill fall down and fail—terribly embarrassed,for ever ashamed.
12. Lord All-Powerful,you test those who do right,and you know every heartand mind.I have told you my complaints,so let me watch youtake revenge on my enemies.
13. I sing praises to you, Lord.You rescue the oppressedfrom the wicked.
14. Put a curse on the day I was born!Don't bless my mother.
15. Put a curse on the manwho told my father, “Good news!You have a son.”
16. May that man be like the townsyou destroyed without pity.Let him hear shouts of alarmin the morningand battle cries at midday.
17. He deserves to diefor not killing mebefore I was born.Then my mother's bodywould have been my grave.
18. Why did I have to be born?Was it just to sufferand die in shame?