16. when darkened by thawing ice, and obscured by snow,
17. but when they are scorched, they dry up, and in the heat, they vanish from their place.
18. Caravans turn aside from their course; they go up into the wasteland and perish.
19. The caravans of Tema looked intently, the travelers of Sheba hoped for them.
20. They were distressed because they had been confident; they came so far and were disappointed.
21. “Indeed, now you have become nothing; you see a terror and are afraid.
22. Have I ever said, ‘Give to me’ or ‘Pay a bribe for me from your wealth’
23. or ‘Save me from the enemy’s hand’ or ‘Redeem me from a ruthless hand’?
24. “Teach me, and I will be silent; explain to me how I have been wrong.
25. Honest words are painful, but what does your arguing prove?
26. Do you intend to correct my words, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?
27. Would you cast lots for an orphan, and barter over your friend?
28. “Now be so kind as to look at me; I will not lie to your face.
29. Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my righteousness is in it.
30. Is injustice on my tongue? Can my palate not discern evil?”