16 When your words came, I ate(A) them;
    they were my joy and my heart’s delight,(B)
for I bear your name,(C)
    Lord God Almighty.
17 I never sat(D) in the company of revelers,
    never made merry with them;
I sat alone because your hand(E) was on me
    and you had filled me with indignation.
18 Why is my pain unending
    and my wound grievous and incurable?(F)
You are to me like a deceptive brook,
    like a spring that fails.(G)

19 Therefore this is what the Lord says:

“If you repent, I will restore you
    that you may serve(H) me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
    you will be my spokesman.(I)
Let this people turn to you,
    but you must not turn to them.

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16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.

17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.

18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?

19 Therefore thus saith the Lord, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.

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