The one who is tormented by the murder of another will flee to the pit; let no one support him.

Whoever shares with a thief is his own enemy; he hears the oath to testify, but does not talk.

It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one’s heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile – like chasing the wind.

The Beloved about Her Lover: All night long on my bed I longed for my lover. I longed for him but he never appeared.

I hate your new moon festivals and assemblies; they are a burden that I am tired of carrying.

The splendor of his forest and his orchard will be completely destroyed, as when a sick man’s life ebbs away.

Yes, as your judgments unfold, O Lord, we wait for you. We desire your fame and reputation to grow.

What can I say? He has decreed and acted. I will walk slowly all my years because I am overcome with grief.

Since you are precious and special in my sight, and I love you, I will hand over people in place of you, nations in place of your life.

Together they bend low and kneel down; they are unable to rescue the images; they themselves head off into captivity.

Having suffered, he will reflect on his work, he will be satisfied when he understands what he has done. “My servant will acquit many, for he carried their sins.

Then the Lord said to me, “Under the circumstances, wayward Israel could even be considered less guilty than unfaithful Judah.

So take warning, Jerusalem, or I will abandon you in disgust and make you desolate, a place where no one can live.”

“I will abandon my nation. I will forsake the people I call my own. I will turn my beloved people over to the power of their enemies.

Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For he rescues the oppressed from the clutches of evildoers.

You will never come back to this land to which you will long to return!”

I will provide the priests with abundant provisions. My people will be filled to the full with the good things I provide.”

I will take delight in doing good to them. I will faithfully and wholeheartedly plant them firmly in the land.’

The Lord who rules over all has solemnly sworn, ‘I will fill your land with enemy soldiers. They will swarm over it like locusts. They will raise up shouts of victory over it.’

“Get out of Babylon, my people! Flee to save your lives from the fierce anger of the Lord!