If someone wishes to contend with him, he cannot answer him one time in a thousand.

“O that my words were written down, O that they were written on a scroll,

It makes its tail stiff like a cedar, the sinews of its thighs are tightly wound.

For I am like a wineskin dried up in smoke. I do not forget your statutes.

Sons born during one’s youth are like arrows in a warrior’s hand.

A tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.

It is an honor for a person to cease from strife, but every fool quarrels.

Do not make friends with an angry person, and do not associate with a wrathful person,

Indeed, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men.

Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.

For you will be like a tree whose leaves wither, like an orchard that is unwatered.

Then a powerful king will arise, exercising great authority and doing as he pleases.

I will be like a moth to Ephraim, like wood rot to the house of Judah.

Look! I will press you down, like a cart loaded down with grain presses down.

Again the Lord said to me, “Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd.

“It was said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a legal document.’

When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him,

He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”

I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is finished!