17. My spirit came to be strange to my wife, although I intreated her for the sons of my own body.
18. Even the young children despised me; as I arose, they spoke against me.
19. All my intimate friends abhorred me; and those whom I loved are turned against me.
20. My bones cleave to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.
21. Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God has touched me.
22. Why do ye persecute me as God and are not satisfied with my flesh?
23. Oh, that my words were now written! Oh, that they were printed in a book!
24. That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!