Your words have supported those who stumbled, and you have strengthened the knees that gave way.

Do you intend to criticize mere words, and treat the words of a despairing man as wind?

Listen carefully to my words; let your ears be attentive to my explanation.

“How long will you torment me and crush me with your words?

“Listen carefully to my words; let this be the consolation you offer me.

the chief men refrained from talking and covered their mouths with their hands;

“And now I have become their taunt song; I have become a byword among them.

For I am full of words, and the spirit within me constrains me.

“Indeed, you have said in my hearing (I heard the sound of the words!):

“Listen to my words, you wise men; hear me, you learned men.

I will reply to you, and to your friends with you.

The Lord’s spirit spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.

“If someone should attempt a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can refrain from speaking?

Will they not instruct you and speak to you, and bring forth words from their understanding?

Does not the ear test words, as the tongue tastes food?

Does he argue with useless talk, with words that have no value in them?

when you turn your rage against God and allow such words to escape from your mouth?

“How long until you make an end of words? You must consider, and then we can talk.

I would know with what words he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

“If this is not so, who can prove me a liar and reduce my words to nothing?”