12. My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh of brass.
13. Behold there is no help for me in myself, and my familiar friends also are departed from me.
14. He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.
15. My brethren have passed by me, as the torrent that passeth swiftly in the valleys.
16. They that fear the hoary frost, the snow shall fall upon them.
17. At the time when they shall be scattered they shall perish: and after it groweth hot they shall be melted out of their place.
18. The paths of their steps are entangled: they shall walk in vain, and shall perish.
19. Consider the paths of Thema, the ways of Saba, and wait a little while.
20. They are confounded, because I have hoped: they are come also even unto me, and are covered with shame.
21. Now you are come: and now seeing my affliction you are afraid.
22. Did I say: Bring to me, and give me of your substance?
23. Or deliver me from the hand of the enemy, and rescue me out of the hand of the mighty?
24. Teach me, and I will hold my peace: and if I have been ignorant in any thing, instruct me.
25. Why have you detracted the words of truth, whereas there is none of you that can reprove me?
26. You dress up speeches only to rebuke, and you utter words to the wind.
27. You rush in upon the fatherless, and you endeavour to overthrow your friend.
28. However finish what you have begun, give ear, and see whether I lie.
29. Answer, I beseech you, without contention: and speaking that which is just, judge ye.
30. And you shall not And iniquity in my tongue, neither shall folly sound in my mouth.