Hunger has made us burn with fever until our skin is as hot as an oven.

At night my bones all ache; the pain that gnaws me never stops.

He throws me down in the mud; I am no better than dirt.

As they approach, everyone is terrified; every face turns pale.

Nineveh is destroyed, deserted, desolate! Hearts melt with fear; knees tremble, strength is gone; faces grow pale.

Our glittering gold has grown dull; the stones of the Temple lie scattered in the streets.

Zion's young people were as precious to us as gold, but now they are treated like common clay pots.

They went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they arrived, the whole town became excited, and the women there exclaimed, "Is this really Naomi?"

"Don't call me Naomi," she answered; "call me Marah, because Almighty God has made my life bitter.

While they were still a long way off they saw Job, but did not recognize him. When they did, they began to weep and wail, tearing their clothes in grief and throwing dust into the air and on their heads.

Many people were shocked when they saw him; he was so disfigured that he hardly looked human.

My skin hangs loose on my bones; I have barely escaped with my life.

Their bodies waste away to nothing; you can see all their bones;

Day and night you punished me, LORD; my strength was completely drained, as moisture is dried up by the summer heat.

Because of your anger, I am in great pain; my whole body is diseased because of my sins.

My life is disappearing like smoke; my body is burning like fire.

I groan aloud; I am nothing but skin and bones.

I am as useless as a discarded wineskin; yet I have not forgotten your commands.