12. I do not have the strength of stone.My flesh is not bronze.
13. I have no power to help myself.This is because success has been taken away from me.
14. “They say, ‘A man’s friends should be kind to him when he is in trouble.This should be done even if he stops fearing God All-Powerful.’
15. But my brothers cannot be counted on.They are like streams that do not flow regularly,streams that sometimes run over.
16. They are like streams made dark by melting ice,that rise with melting snow.
17. But they stop flowing when it is the dry season.They go away when it is hot.
18. Groups of travelers turn away from their paths.They go into the desert and die.
19. The groups of travelers from Tema look for water.The traders of Sheba who travel look hopefully.
20. They are upset because they had been sure.But when they arrive, they are disappointed.
21. You also have been no help.You see something terrible, and you are afraid.
22. I have never said, ‘Give me a gift.Use your wealth to pay my debt.
23. Save me from the enemy’s power.Buy me back from the clutches of cruel people.’
24. “Teach me, and I will be quiet.Show me where I have been wrong.