12. Do I have the strength of a stone?Is my body made of bronze?
13. No, I am utterly helpless,without any chance of success.
14. “One should be kind to a fainting friend,but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.
15. My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brookthat overflows its banks in the spring
16. when it is swollen with ice and melting snow.
17. But when the hot weather arrives, the water disappears.The brook vanishes in the heat.
18. The caravans turn aside to be refreshed,but there is nothing to drink, so they die.
19. The caravans from Tema search for this water;the travelers from Sheba hope to find it.
20. They count on it but are disappointed.When they arrive, their hopes are dashed.
21. You, too, have given no help.You have seen my calamity, and you are afraid.
22. But why? Have I ever asked you for a gift?Have I begged for anything of yours for myself?
23. Have I asked you to rescue me from my enemies,or to save me from ruthless people?