1Thus says the LORD, "Where is the bill of your mother's divorce, with which I have put her away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Look, for your iniquities were you sold, and for your transgressions was your mother put away.

2Why, when I came, was there no man? When I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can't redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Look, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst.

3I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering."

4The LORD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

5The LORD has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.

6I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who tore out my beard; I did not cover my face from insults and spitting.

7But the LORD will help me; therefore I have not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be disappointed.

8He is near who justifies me; who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together: who is my adversary? Let him come near to me.

9Look, the LORD will help me; who is he who shall condemn me? Look, all they shall wax old as a garment, the moth shall eat them up.

10Who is among you who fears the LORD, who listens to the voice of his servant? He who walks in darkness, and has no light, let him trust in the name of the LORD, and rely on his God.

11Look, all you who kindle a fire, who adorn yourselves with torches around yourselves; walk in the light of your fire, and among the torches that you have kindled. You shall have this of my hand; you shall lie down in sorrow.