1 Israel's Misery
1 What misery is mine! 1 I am like one who gathers summer fruit 1 at the gleaning of the vineyard; 1 there is no cluster of grapes to eat, 1 none of the early figs that I crave.
2 The godly have been swept from the land; 2 not one upright man remains. 2 All men lie in wait to shed blood; 2 each hunts his brother with a net.
3 Both hands are skilled in doing evil; 3 the ruler demands gifts, 3 the judge accepts bribes, 3 the powerful dictate what they desire— 3 they all conspire together.
4 The best of them is like a brier, 4 the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. 4 The day of your watchmen has come, 4 the day God visits you. 4 Now is the time of their confusion.
5 Do not trust a neighbor; 5 put no confidence in a friend. 5 Even with her who lies in your embrace 5 be careful of your words.
6 For a son dishonors his father, 6 a daughter rises up against her mother, 6 a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 6 a man's enemies are the members of his own household.
7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, 7 I wait for God my Savior; 7 my God will hear me.
7 8
8 Israel Will Rise
8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy! 8 Though I have fallen, I will rise. 8 Though I sit in darkness, 8 the Lord will be my light.
9 Because I have sinned against him, 9 I will bear the Lord's wrath, 9 until he pleads my case 9 and establishes my right. 9 He will bring me out into the light; 9 I will see his righteousness.
