But the princes of the Ammonites [were suspicious and] said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think that David is honoring your father because he has sent comforters to you? Has David not sent his servants to you in order to search the city, to spy it out and overthrow it?”

Job Says Friends Are Sorry Comforters

Then Job answered and said,

“I have heard many such things; Wearisome and miserable comforters are you all.

Job Says God Shattered Him

“If I speak [to you miserable comforters], my pain is not relieved; And if I refrain [from speaking], what [pain or anguish] leaves me?

Reproach and insults have broken my heart and I am so sick. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, And for comforters, but I found none.

Her (ceremonial) uncleanness was on her skirts; She did not [seriously] consider her future. Therefore she has come down [from throne to slavery] in an astonishing manner; She has no comforter. “O Lord” [cries Jerusalem], “look at my affliction, For the enemy has magnified himself [in triumph]!”

“I weep for these things; My eyes overflow with tears, Because a comforter, One who could restore my soul, is far away from me. My children are desolate and perishing, For the enemy has prevailed.”

Zion stretches out her hands, But there is no comforter for her. The Lord has commanded concerning Jacob That his neighbors should be his enemies; Jerusalem has become a filthy thing [an object of contempt] among them.

“People have heard that I groan, That I have no comforter [in You]. All my enemies have heard of my desperation; They are delighted [O Lord] that You have done it. Oh, that You would bring the day [of judgment] which You have proclaimed So that they will become like me.

“And it will come about that all who see you Will shrink back and run from you and say, ‘Nineveh is completely ruined! Who will grieve for her?’ Where will I seek comforters for you?”