16. I called my servant, and he did not respond; I pleaded with him with my own mouth.
17. My wife has shuddered at my breath, and I have begged the sons of my loins.
18. Even the foolish have looked down on me, and, when I withdrew from them, they spoke ill of me.
19. Those who were sometime my counselors, treat me like an abomination; and he whom I valued the most has turned against me.
20. Since my flesh has been consumed, my bone adheres to my skin, and only my lips have been left around my teeth.
21. Have mercy on me, have compassion on me, at least you my friends, because the hand of the Lord has touched me.