1. Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.
2. The merciful man of the earth is missing: and there is no one upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt each man his brother with a net.
3. To complete the evil with their hands, the prince demands, and the judge judges for a reward; and the great man speaks the desires of his heart: and they confirm it.
4. The best of them is as a brier; the most upright as a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen, thy visitation, comes; now shall be their confusion.
5. Do not believe in a friend, do not trust in a prince; from her that lies at thy side, take care, open not thy mouth.
6. For the son dishonours the father, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies are those of his own house.
7. Therefore I will wait for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my saving health; my God will hear me.
8. Do not rejoice against me, O my enemy; for if I have fallen, I shall arise; if I sit in darkness, the Lord is my light.
9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him, until he has judged my cause and executed my judgment; he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.
10. Then she that is my enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her who said unto me, Where is the Lord thy God? my eyes shall behold her: now she shall be trodden down as the mire of the streets.