Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?

Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who is he that will strike hands with me?

For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them.

He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.

He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret.

Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow.

Read full chapter

Surely mockers(A) surround me;(B)
    my eyes must dwell on their hostility.

“Give me, O God, the pledge you demand.(C)
    Who else will put up security(D) for me?(E)
You have closed their minds to understanding;(F)
    therefore you will not let them triumph.
If anyone denounces their friends for reward,(G)
    the eyes of their children will fail.(H)

“God has made me a byword(I) to everyone,(J)
    a man in whose face people spit.(K)
My eyes have grown dim with grief;(L)
    my whole frame is but a shadow.(M)

Read full chapter