New International Reader's Version

Lamentations 3:33-51 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

33. He doesn't want to bring pain or suffering to people.

34. Every time people crush prisoners under their feet, the Lord knows all about it.

35. When people refuse to give a man his rights, the Most High God knows it.

36. When people don't treat a man fairly, the Lord knows it.

37. Suppose people order something to happen. It won't happen unless the Lord has planned it.

38. Troubles and good things alike come to people because the Most High God has commanded them to come.

39. A man who is still alive shouldn't blame God when God punishes him for his sins.

40. Let's take a good look at the way we're living. Let's return to the Lord.

41. Let's lift up our hands to God in heaven. Let's pray to him with all our hearts.

42. Let's say, "We have sinned. We've refused to obey you. And you haven't forgiven us.

43. "You have covered yourself with the cloud of your anger. You have chased us. You have killed our people without pity.

44. You have covered yourself with the cloud of your anger. Our prayers can't get through to you.

45. You have made us become like trash and garbage among the nations.

46. "All of our enemies have opened their mouths wide to swallow us up.

47. We are terrified and trapped. We are broken and destroyed."

48. Streams of tears flow from my eyes. That's because my people are destroyed.

49. Tears will never stop flowing from my eyes. My eyes can't get any rest.

50. I'll sob until the Lord looks down from heaven. I'll cry until he notices my tears.

51. What I see brings pain to my spirit. All of the people in my city are suffering so much.