Jeremiah 20:7-18

7O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.1 8For since I spoke, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach to me, and a derision, daily. 9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not refrain . 10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my friends watched for my fall, saying, Perhaps he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.2 11But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. 12But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for to thee have I opened my cause. 13Sing to the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.

14Cursedbe the day when I was born: let not the day when my mother bore me be blessed. 15Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A son is born to thee; making him very glad. 16And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noon; 17Because he slew me not in the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me . 18Why was I brought out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?