Jeremiah’s Woe

Woe to me, my mother,

that you have borne me,

a man of strife and conflict

in all the land.

I have neither lent nor borrowed,

yet everyone curses me.

11 

The LORD said:

“ Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose;

surely I will intercede with your enemy

in your time of trouble,

in your time of distress.

12 

Can anyone smash iron —

iron from the north — or bronze?

13 

Your wealth and your treasures

I will give up as plunder,

without charge for all your sins

within all your borders.

14 

Then I will enslave you to your enemies

in a land[fn] you do not know,

for My anger will kindle a fire

that will burn against you.”

15 

You understand, O LORD;

remember me and attend to me.

Avenge me against my persecutors.

In Your patience do not take me away.

Know that I endure reproach for Your honor.

16 

Your words were found, and I ate them.

Your words became my joy

and my heart’s delight.

For I bear Your name,

O LORD God of Hosts.

17 

I never sat with the band of revelers,

nor did I celebrate with them.

Because Your hand was on me, I sat alone,

for You have filled me with indignation.

18 

Why is my pain unending,

and my wound incurable,

refusing to be healed?

You have indeed become like a mirage to me—

water that is not there.

19