Disappointing Friends

14 “To the one in despair, kindness should come from his friend

even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

15 My brothers have been as treacherous as a seasonal stream,

and as the riverbeds of the intermittent streams

that flow away.

16 They are dark because of ice;

snow is piled up over them.

17 When they are scorched, they dry up,

when it is hot, they vanish from their place.

18 Caravans turn aside from their routes;

they go into the wasteland and perish.

19 The caravans of Tema looked intently for these streams;

the traveling merchants of Sheba hoped for them.

20 They were distressed,

because each one had been so confident;

they arrived there, but were disappointed.

21 For now you have become like these streams that are no help;

you see a terror, and are afraid.