^{2 Ref} Why, then, when I came, was there no man? and no one to give answer to my voice? has my hand become feeble, so that it is unable to take up your cause? or have I no power to make you free? See, at my word the sea becomes dry, I make the rivers a waste land: their fish are dead for need of water, and make an evil smell.

^{3 Ref} By me the heavens are clothed with black, and I make haircloth their robe.

^{4 Ref} The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are experienced, so that I may be able to give the word a special sense for the feeble: every morning my ear is open to his teaching, like those who are experienced:

^{5 Ref} And I have not put myself against him, or let my heart be turned back from him.

^{6 Ref} I was offering my back to those who gave me blows, and my face to those who were pulling out my hair: I did not keep my face covered from marks of shame.

^{7 Ref} For the Lord God is my helper; I will not be put to shame: so I have made my face like a rock, and I am certain that he will give me my right.

^{8 Ref} He who takes up my cause is near; who will go to law with me? let us come together before the judge: who is against me? let him come near to me.

^{9 Ref} See, the Lord God is my helper; who will give a decision against me? truly, all of them will become old like a robe; they will be food for the worm.