1. This is what the lord says:“Was your mother sent away because I divorced her?Did I sell you as slaves to my creditors?No, you were sold because of your sins.And your mother, too, was taken because of your sins.
2. Why was no one there when I came?Why didn’t anyone answer when I called?Is it because I have no power to rescue?No, that is not the reason!For I can speak to the sea and make it dry up!I can turn rivers into deserts covered with dying fish.
3. I dress the skies in darkness,covering them with clothes of mourning.”
4. The Sovereign lord has given me his words of wisdom,so that I know how to comfort the weary.Morning by morning he wakens meand opens my understanding to his will.
5. The Sovereign lord has spoken to me,and I have listened.I have not rebelled or turned away.
6. I offered my back to those who beat meand my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.I did not hide my facefrom mockery and spitting.
7. Because the Sovereign lord helps me,I will not be disgraced.Therefore, I have set my face like a stone,determined to do his will.And I know that I will not be put to shame.