7 What misery is mine!
I am like one who gathers summer fruit
    at the gleaning of the vineyard;
there is no cluster of grapes to eat,
    none of the early figs^(A) that I crave.
² The faithful have been swept from the land;^(B)
    not one^(C) upright person remains.
Everyone lies in wait^(D) to shed blood;^(E)
    they hunt each other^(F) with nets.^(G)
3 Both hands are skilled in doing evil;^(H)
    the ruler demands gifts,
the judge accepts bribes,^(I)
    the powerful dictate what they desire—
    they all conspire together.
⁴ The best of them is like a brier,^(J)
    the most upright worse than a thorn^(K) hedge.
The day God visits you has come,
    the day your watchmen sound the alarm.
    Now is the time of your confusion.^(L)
5 Do not trust a neighbor;
    put no confidence in a friend.^(M)
Even with the woman who lies in your embrace
    guard the words of your lips.
⁶ For a son dishonors his father,
    a daughter rises up against her mother,^(N)
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
    a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.^(O)