[10] Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth, a man with whom the whole land strives and contends! I have neither lent nor borrowed, yet everyone curses me. [11] The LORD said, “Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will make your enemies plead with you in times of disaster and times of distress. [12] “Can a man break iron—iron from the north—or bronze? [13] “Your wealth and your treasures I will give as plunder, without charge, because of all your sins throughout your country. [14] I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for my anger will kindle a fire that will burn against you.” [15] LORD, you understand; remember me and care for me. Avenge me on my persecutors. You are long-suffering—do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for your sake. [16] When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty. [17] I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation. [18] Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails. [19] Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. [20] I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you,” declares the LORD. [21] “I will save you from the hands of the wicked and deliver you from the grasp of the cruel.”
