11. So who has more right to mourn, you for your one son, or the earth, which has lost so many?
12-13. I know what you are thinking; you think that your sorrow is worse than the earth's. You think that it is only natural for earth's multitudes to live and then die, but you have lost your own flesh and blood which you brought to birth with such trouble and pain. But let me tell you
14. that from the time God created the earth she has suffered as much in producing human beings for God as you did in childbirth.
15. So keep your tears to yourself, and be brave about what has happened to you.
16. If you will accept God's decision as just, you will get your son back at the right time, and you will receive the praise due to a mother.
17. Go back to the city and to your husband.”
18. “No,” she answered, “I will never go back; I am going to stay here and die.”
19-20. “Don't do that,” I continued. “Consider the misfortunes and sorrows of Jerusalem, and you won't feel so sorry for yourself.
21. You can see that our place of worship is in ruins, our altar has been torn down, our Temple has been destroyed,