¹⁸ But since we left off burning incense to the queen of heaven, and pouring out drink-offerings unto her, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.

¹³ Your words have been stout against me, saith Jehovah. Yet ye say, What have we spoken against thee?

¹⁴ Ye have said, It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept his charge, and that we have walked mournfully before Jehovah of hosts?

¹⁵ And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are built up; yea, they tempt God, and escape.

⁵ We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt for nought; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic:

⁶ but now our soul is dried away; there is nothing at all save this manna to look upon.

¹² then all the Jews returned out of all places whither they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, unto Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.

¹⁴ And they say unto God, Depart from us; For we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

¹⁵ What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

⁹ They have set their mouth in the heavens, And their tongue walketh through the earth.

¹⁰ Therefore his people return hither: And waters of a full `cup' are drained by them.

¹¹ And they say, How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?

¹² Behold, these are the wicked; And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches.

¹³ Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocency;

¹⁴ For all the day long have I been plagued, And chastened every morning.

¹⁵ If I had said, I will speak thus; Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children.