7. I refuse to touch them;they resemble food for the sick.
8. Oh, that what I’ve requested would comeand God grant my hope;
9. that God be willing to crush me,release his hand and cut me off.
10. I’d still take comfort,relieved even though in persistent pain;for I’ve not denied the words of the holy one.
11. What is my strength, that I should hope;my end, that my life should drag on?
12. Is my strength that of rocks,my flesh bronze?
13. I don’t have a helper for myself;success has been taken from me.
14. Are friends loyal to the one who despairs,or do they stop fearing the Almighty?
15. My companions are treacherous like a stream in the desert,like channels that overrun their streambeds,
16. like those darkened by thawing ice,in which snow is obscured