^{18     (A)}we were pregnant, we writhed,
    but we have given birth to wind.
We have accomplished no deliverance in the earth,
    and the inhabitants of the world have not fallen.

^13 (A)The pangs of childbirth come for him,
    but he is an unwise son,
for at the right time he does not present himself
    ^(B)at the opening of the womb.

¹⁴ from men by your hand, O Lord,
    from ^(A)men of the world whose ^(B)portion is in this life.^[a]
You fill their womb with treasure;^[b]
    they are satisfied with ^(C)children,
    and they leave their abundance to their infants.

^4 (A)No one enters suit justly;
    no one goes to law honestly;
they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies,
    ^(B)they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.

^11 (A)You conceive chaff; you give birth to stubble;
    your breath is ^(B)a fire that will consume you.