Jeremiah 15:10-21

10I’m so miserable! Why did my mother give birth to me? I am a man who argues and quarrels with the whole earth. I have never lent or borrowed anything. Yet, everyone curses me.

11The Lord said, “I will certainly rescue you for a good reason. I will certainly make your enemies plead with you in times of disaster and in times of distress.

12(No one can break iron, iron from the north, or bronze.)

13I will give away your wealth and treasures as loot as the price for all the sins that you have committed throughout your territory.

14I will make you serve your enemies in a land that you haven’t heard of, because my anger has started a fire. It will burn you.”

15O Lord, you understand. Remember me, take care of me, and take revenge on those who persecute me. Be patient, and don’t take me away. You should know that I’ve been insulted because of you.

16Your words were found, and I devoured them. Your words are my joy and my heart’s delight, because I am called by your name, O Lord God of Armies.

17I didn’t keep company with those who laugh and have fun. I sat alone because your hand was on me. You filled me with outrage.

18Why is my pain unending and my wound incurable, refusing to heal? Will you disappoint me like a stream that dries up in summertime?

19This is what the Lord says: If you will return, I will take you back. If you will speak what is worthwhile and not what is worthless, you will stand in my presence. The people will return to you, but you will not return to them.

20I will make you like a solid bronze wall in front of these people. They will fight you, but they will not defeat you. I am with you, and I will save you and rescue you, declares the Lord.

21I will rescue you from the power of wicked people and free you from the power of tyrants.