Even youngsters have scorned me; when I get up, they scoff at me.

If I lift myself up, you hunt me as a fierce lion, and again you display your power against me.

“This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back – because of my feelings within me.

Kings reign by means of me, and potentates decree righteousness;

The father of your nation sinned; your spokesmen rebelled against me.

They shut me up in a pit and threw stones at me.

Then the one who appeared to be a human being touched me again and strengthened me.

I will destroy you, O Israel! Who is there to help you?

Let none who rely on you be disgraced because of me, O sovereign Lord and king! Let none who seek you be ashamed because of me, O God of Israel!

They said, “My lord, we did indeed come down the first time to buy food.

But Moses said, “O my Lord, please send anyone else whom you wish to send!”

He brought me out into a wide open place; he delivered me because he was pleased with me.

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

Is not my power to help myself nothing, and has not every resource been driven from me?

“Now then, be good enough to look at me; and I will not lie to your face!

The eye of him who sees me now will see me no more; your eyes will look for me, but I will be gone.

You have seized me, and it has become a witness; my leanness has risen up against me and testifies against me.

All my closest friends detest me; and those whom I love have turned against me.

for while my spirit is still in me, and the breath from God is in my nostrils,

I cry out to you, but you do not answer me; I stand up, and you only look at me.