16. When I found your words, I devoured them;your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart,Because I bear your name,Lord, God of hosts.
17. I did not sit celebratingin the circle of merrymakers;Under the weight of your hand I sat alonebecause you filled me with rage.
18. Why is my pain continuous,my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?To me you are like a deceptive brook,waters that cannot be relied on!
19. Thus the Lord answered me:If you come back and I take you back,in my presence you shall stand;If you utter what is precious and not what is worthless,you shall be my mouth.Then they will be the ones who turn to you,not you who turn to them.
20. And I will make you toward this peoplea fortified wall of bronze.Though they fight against you,they shall not prevail,For I am with you,to save and rescue you—oracle of the Lord.
21. I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked,and ransom you from the power of the violent.