15. But my brothers are as undependable as intermittent streams,as the streams that overflow
16. when darkened by thawing iceand swollen with melting snow,
17. but that stop flowing in the dry season,and in the heat vanish from their channels.
18. Caravans turn aside from their routes;they go off into the wasteland and perish.
19. The caravans of Tema look for water,the travelling merchants of Sheba look in hope.
20. They are distressed, because they had been confident;they arrive there, only to be disappointed.
21. Now you too have proved to be of no help;you see something dreadful and are afraid.
22. Have I ever said, “Give something on my behalf,pay a ransom for me from your wealth,
23. deliver me from the hand of the enemy,rescue me from the clutches of the ruthless”?
24. ‘Teach me, and I will be quiet;show me where I have been wrong.
25. How painful are honest words!But what do your arguments prove?
26. Do you mean to correct what I say,and treat my desperate words as wind?
27. You would even cast lots for the fatherlessand barter away your friend.
28. ‘But now be so kind as to look at me.Would I lie to your face?
29. Relent, do not be unjust;reconsider, for my integrity is at stake.
30. Is there any wickedness on my lips?Can my mouth not discern malice?