Lamentations 3:26-47

26It is good that one should hope and wait quietly For the salvation of the Lord.

27It is good for a man to bear The yoke in his youth.

28Let him sit alone and keep silent, Because God has laid it on him;

29Let him put his mouth in the dust— There may yet be hope.

30Let him give his cheek to the one who strikes him, And be full of reproach.

31For the Lord will not cast off forever.

32Though He causes grief, Yet He will show compassion According to the multitude of His mercies.

33For He does not afflict willingly, Nor grieve the children of men.

34To crush under one’s feet All the prisoners of the earth,

35To turn aside the justice due a man Before the face of the Most High,

36Or subvert a man in his cause— The Lord does not approve.

37Who is he who speaks and it comes to pass, When the Lord has not commanded it?

38Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That woe and well-being proceed?

39Why should a living man complain, A man for the punishment of his sins?

40Let us search out and examine our ways, And turn back to the Lord;

41Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven.

42We have transgressed and rebelled; You have not pardoned.

43You have covered Yourself with anger And pursued us; You have slain and not pitied.

44You have covered Yourself with a cloud, That prayer should not pass through.

45You have made us an offscouring and refuse In the midst of the peoples.

46All our enemies Have opened their mouths against us.

47Fear and a snare have come upon us, Desolation and destruction.