⁵ But my mouth would encourage you;
    comfort^(A) from my lips would bring you relief.^(B)

³ Strengthen the feeble hands,
    steady the knees^(A) that give way;
⁴ say^(B) to those with fearful hearts,^(C)
    “Be strong, do not fear;^(D)
your God will come,^(E)
    he will come with vengeance;^(F)
with divine retribution
    he will come to save^(G) you.”

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another.

⁹ Perfume^(A) and incense bring joy to the heart,
    and the pleasantness of a friend
    springs from their heartfelt advice.

¹⁴ Wait^(A) for the Lord;
    be strong^(B) and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

²⁵ I chose the way for them and sat as their chief;^(A)
    I dwelt as a king^(B) among his troops;
    I was like one who comforts mourners.^(C)

¹⁴ “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend^(A)
    forsakes the fear of the Almighty.^(B)

³ Think how you have instructed many,^(A)
    how you have strengthened feeble hands.^(B)
4 Your words have supported those who stumbled;^(C)
    you have strengthened faltering knees.^(D)