You cover up your ignorance with lies; you are like doctors who can't heal anyone.

(SEE 15:1)

No one who is wise would talk the way you do or defend himself with such meaningless words.

Can anyone deny that this is so? Can anyone prove that my words are not true?

Even my friends laugh at me now; they laugh, although I am righteous and blameless; but there was a time when God answered my prayers.

If God looks at you closely, will he find anything good? Do you think you can fool God the way you fool others?

I watch how bitterly everyone mocks me.

Have you ever seen anyone like this man Job? He never shows respect for God.

Like those who would mock a cripple, they glared at me with hate.

I did not spend my time with other people, laughing and having a good time. In obedience to your orders I stayed by myself and was filled with anger.

They said to you, "When the last days come, people will appear who will make fun of you, people who follow their own godless desires."

Cover their faces with shame, O LORD, and make them acknowledge your power.

It may be that some there will not obey the message we send you in this letter. If so, take note of them and have nothing to do with them, so that they will be ashamed.

Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.