16. When your words turned up, I feasted on them;and they became my joy, the delight of my heart,because I belong to you,Lord God of heavenly forces.
17. I didn’t join the festive occasions;I took no delight in them.I sat alonebecause your hand was upon meand you had filled me with curses.
18. Why am I always in pain?Why is my wound incurable,so far beyond healing?You have become for me as unreliableas a spring gone dry!
19. Therefore, the Lord proclaims:If you return to me, I will take you backand let you stand before me.If you utter what is worthwhile,not what is worthless,you will be my spokesman.They will turn to you,not you to them!
20. I will make you a sturdy bronze wallagainst these people.They will attack you,but they won’t triumph,because I am with youto protect and rescue you,declares the Lord.
21. I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked;I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent.