15. But my friends aren't faithful to me. They are like streams that only flow for part of the year. They are like rivers that flow over their banks
16. when the ice begins to break up. The streams rise when the snow starts to melt.
17. But they stop flowing when the dry season comes. They disappear from their stream beds when the weather warms up.
18. Groups of traders turn away from their usual paths. They go up into the dry and empty land. And they die there.
19. Traders from Tema look for water. Traveling merchants from Sheba also hope to find it.
20. They become troubled because they had expected to find some. But when they arrive at the stream beds, they don't find any water at all.
21. And now, my friends, you haven't helped me either. You see the horrible condition I'm in. And that makes you afraid.
22. I've never said, 'Give me something to help me. Use your wealth to set me free.
23. Save me from the powerful hand of my enemy. Set me free from the power of mean people.'
24. "Teach me. Then I'll be quiet. Show me what I've done wrong.
25. Honest words are so painful! But your reasoning doesn't prove anything.
26. Are you trying to correct what I'm saying? You are treating the words of this hopeless man like nothing but wind.
27. You would even cast lots for those whose fathers have died. You would even trade away your closest friend.
28. "But now please look at me. Would I tell you a lie right here in front of you?
29. Stop what you are saying. Don't be so unfair. Think it over again. You are trying to take my honesty away from me.