13. I have no strength left to save myself;there is nowhere I can turn for help.
14. In trouble like this I need loyal friends —whether I've forsaken God or not.
15. But you, my friends, you deceive me like streamsthat go dry when no rain comes.
16. The streams are choked with snow and ice,
17. but in the heat they disappear,and the stream beds lie bare and dry.
18. Caravans get lost looking for water;they wander and die in the desert.
19. Caravans from Sheba and Tema search,
20. but their hope dies beside dry streams.
21. You are like those streams to me,you see my fate and draw back in fear.
22. Have I asked you to give me a giftor to bribe someone on my behalf
23. or to save me from some enemy or tyrant?
24. All right, teach me; tell me my faults.I will be quiet and listen to you.
25. Honest words are convincing,but you are talking nonsense.
26. You think I am talking nothing but wind;then why do you answer my words of despair?
27. You would even throw dice for orphan slavesand make yourselves rich off your closest friends!
28. Look me in the face. I won't lie.