14. To him who is about to faint and despair, kindness is due from his friend, lest he forsake the fear of the Almighty.
15. [You] my brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away,
16. Which are black and turbid by reason of the ice, and in which the snows hides itself;
17. When they get warm, they shrink and disappear; when it is hot, they vanish out of their place.
18. The caravans which travel by way of them turn aside; they go into the waste places and perish. [Such is my disappointment in you, the friends I fully trusted.]
19. The caravans of Tema looked [for water], the companies of Sheba waited for them [in vain].
20. They were confounded because they had hoped [to find water]; they came there and were bitterly disappointed.
21. Now to me you are [like a dried-up brook]; you see my dismay and terror, and [believing me to be a victim of God's anger] you are afraid [to sympathize with me].
22. Did I ever say, Bring me a gift, or Pay a bribe on my account from your wealth
23. To deliver me from the adversary's hand, or Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?
24. Teach me, and I will hold my peace; and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
25. How forcible are words of straightforward speech! But what does your arguing argue and prove or your reproof reprove?