Friday in Season after Pentecost

14Verse 14. A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15Verse 15. But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow, 16Verse 16. darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow, 17Verse 17. but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat. 18Verse 18. Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish. 19Verse 19. The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. 20Verse 20. They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment. 21Verse 21. For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid. 22Verse 22. Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth; 23Verse 23. deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’ ? 24Verse 24. Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred. 25Verse 25. How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? 26Verse 26. Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair? 27Verse 27. You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend. 28Verse 28. But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face? 29Verse 29. Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake. 30Verse 30. Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice?[’’]

Text not available in the Berean Standard Bible.

1Verse 1. The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous are taken away from the presence of evil. 2Verse 2. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest, lying down in death. 3Verse 3. “But come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! 4Verse 4. Whom are you mocking? At whom do you sneer and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, offspring of deceit, 5Verse 5. who burn with lust among the oaks, under every luxuriant tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks? 6Verse 6. Your portion is among the smooth stones of the valley; indeed, they are your lot. Even to them you have poured out a drink offering and offered a grain offering. Should I relent because of these? 7Verse 7. On a high and lofty hill you have made your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifices. 8Verse 8. Behind the door and doorpost you have set up your memorial. Forsaking Me, you uncovered your bed; you climbed up and opened it wide. And you have made a pact with those whose bed you have loved; you have gazed upon their nakedness. 9Verse 9. You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself. 10Verse 10. You are wearied by your many journeys, but you did not say, “There is no hope!” You found renewal of your strength; therefore you did not grow weak. 11Verse 11. Whom have you dreaded and feared, so that you lied and failed to remember Me or take this to heart? Is it not because I have long been silent that you do not fear Me? 12Verse 12. I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you. 13Verse 13. When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain.”