² “How you have helped the powerless!^(A)
    How you have saved the arm that is feeble!^(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)

⁵ The islands^(A) have seen it and fear;
    the ends of the earth^(B) tremble.
They approach and come forward;
⁶     they help each other
    and say to their companions, “Be strong!^(C)”
⁷ The metalworker^(D) encourages the goldsmith,^(E)
    and the one who smooths with the hammer
    spurs on the one who strikes the anvil.
One says of the welding, “It is good.”
    The other nails down the idol so it will not topple.^(F)

¹⁴ Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him,
    and who taught him the right way?
Who was it that taught him knowledge,^(A)
    or showed him the path of understanding?^(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.”

⁹ Do not cast^(A) me away when I am old;^(B)
    do not forsake^(C) me when my strength is gone.

⁴ I also could speak like you,
    if you were in my place;
I could make fine speeches against you
    and shake my head^(A) at you.
⁵ But my mouth would encourage you;
    comfort^(B) from my lips would bring you relief.^(C)

² “Doubtless you are the only people who matter,
    and wisdom will die with you!^(A)

²⁵ How painful are honest words!^(A)
    But what do your arguments prove?