For no one can eat and drink or experience joy apart from him.

Though the stillborn child came into the world for no reason and departed into darkness, though its name is shrouded in darkness,

Sorrow is better than laughter, because sober reflection is good for the heart.

Surely oppression can turn a wise person into a fool; likewise, a bribe corrupts the heart.

The Beloved to Her Lover: Oh, how I wish you would kiss me passionately! For your lovemaking is more delightful than wine.

Sustain me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. The Double Refrain: Embracing and Adjuration

Look! The winter has passed, the winter rains are over and gone.

Too bad for the wicked sinners! For they will get exactly what they deserve.

Wail, for the Lord’s day of judgment is near; it comes with all the destructive power of the sovereign judge.

You keep completely safe the people who maintain their faith, for they trust in you.

Indeed, all the tables are covered with vomit; no place is untouched.

For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket is too narrow to wrap around oneself.

Though his officials are in Zoan and his messengers arrive at Hanes,

Indeed, the Lord’s shout will shatter Assyria; he will beat them with a club.

For the Lord has planned a day of revenge, a time when he will repay Edom for her hostility toward Zion.

Hezekiah said, “What is the confirming sign that I will go up to the Lord’s temple?”

“But you did not call for me, O Jacob; you did not long for me, O Israel.

For I looked forward to the day of vengeance, and then payback time arrived.

For messengers are coming, heralding disaster, from the city of Dan and from the hills of Ephraim.

They are regarded as ‘rejected silver’ because the Lord rejects them.”