Jeremiah 20:7-18 ▼

7 You have persuaded me, O YHWH, and I am persuaded; You have hardened me, and prevail, || I have been for a laughter all the day, || Everyone is mocking at me,

8 Because from the time I speak I cry out, I shout, “Violence and destruction!” || For the word of YHWH has been to me || For reproach and for derision all the day.

9 And I said, “I do not mention Him, || Nor do I speak anymore in His Name,” || And it has been in my heart || As a burning fire shut up in my bones, || And I have been weary of containing, || And I am not able.

10 For I have heard the evil report of many, “Fear [is] all around!” “Declare, and we declare it!” All my allies are watching [for] my halting, “Perhaps he is enticed, and we prevail over him, || And we take our vengeance on him.”

11 And YHWH [is] with me, as a mighty, awesome One, || Therefore my persecutors stumble and do not prevail, || They have been exceedingly ashamed, || For they have not acted wisely, || Continuous confusion is not forgotten.

12 And, O YHWH of Hosts, trier of the righteous, || Beholder of reins and heart, || I see Your vengeance on them, || For I have revealed my cause to you.

13 Sing to YHWH, praise YHWH, || For He has delivered the soul of the needy || From the hand of evildoers.

14 Cursed [is] the day in which I was born, || The day that my mother bore me, || Let it not be blessed!

15 Cursed [is] the man who bore tidings [to] my father, || Saying, “A male child has been born to you,” || Making him very glad!

16 Then that man has been as the cities, || That YHWH overthrew, and did not relent, || And he has heard a cry in the morning, || And a shout at noontime.

17 Because he has not put me to death from the womb, || And my mother is to me—my grave, || And her womb [is] a perpetual pregnancy.

18 Why [is] this? I have come out from the womb || To see labor and sorrow, || Indeed, my days are consumed in shame!