16
I call my servant, but he gives no answer; I beg him with my mouth.
17
My breath is offensive to my wife, And I am repulsive to the children of my own body.
18
Even young children despise me; I arise, and they speak against me.
19
All my close friends abhor me, And those whom I love have turned against me.
20
My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh, And I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.
21
"Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, For the hand of God has struck me!
22
Why do you persecute me as God does, And are not satisfied with my flesh?
23
"Oh, that my words were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book!
24
That they were engraved on a rock With an iron pen and lead, forever!
25
For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;
26
And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God,
27
Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
28
If you should say, 'How shall we persecute him?'-- Since the root of the matter is found in me,
29
Be afraid of the sword for yourselves; For wrath brings the punishment of the sword, That you may know there is a judgment."