14. Delirious, I chattered like a swallow or a crane,and then I moaned like a mourning dove.My eyes grew tired of looking to heaven for help.I am in trouble, Lord. Help me!”
15. But what could I say?For he himself sent this sickness.Now I will walk humbly throughout my yearsbecause of this anguish I have felt.
16. Lord, your discipline is good,for it leads to life and health.You restore my healthand allow me to live!
17. Yes, this anguish was good for me,for you have rescued me from deathand forgiven all my sins.
18. For the dead cannot praise you;they cannot raise their voices in praise.Those who go down to the gravecan no longer hope in your faithfulness.
19. Only the living can praise you as I do today.Each generation tells of your faithfulness to the next.
20. Think of it—the lord is ready to heal me!I will sing his praises with instrumentsevery day of my lifein the Temple of the lord.
21. Isaiah had said to Hezekiah’s servants, “Make an ointment from figs and spread it over the boil, and Hezekiah will recover.”
22. And Hezekiah had asked, “What sign will prove that I will go to the Temple of the lord?”