16. and become darkened because of ice,and the snow melts into them.
17. The wadis evaporate in warm weather;they disappear from their channels in hot weather.
18. Caravans turn away from their routes,go up into the desert, and perish.
19. The caravans of Tema look for these streams.The traveling merchants of Sheba hope for them.
20. They are ashamed because they had been confident of finding water.When they arrive there, they are frustrated.
21. So this is what you have now become to me. When you see something dreadful, you are afraid.
22. Have I ever said: “Give me something”or “Pay a bribe for me from your wealth”
23. or “Deliver me from the enemy’s power”or “Redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless”?
24. Teach me, and I will be silent.Help me understand what I did wrong.
25. How painful honest words can be!But what does your rebuke prove?
26. Do you think that you can disprove my wordsor that a despairing man’s words are mere wind?
27. No doubt you would cast lots for a fatherless childand negotiate a price to sell your friend.