Now the sons of Eli [were] corrupt; they did not know the LORD.

But some rebels said, "How can this man save us?" So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

"Please, let not my lord regard this scoundrel Nabal. For as his name [is,] so [is] he: Nabal [is] his name, and folly [is] with him. But I, your maidservant, did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent.

'Corrupt men have gone out from among you and enticed the inhabitants of their city, saying, "Let us go and serve other gods" ' -- which you have not known --

"Oh, that my grief were fully weighed, And my calamity laid with it on the scales!

For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea -- Therefore my words have been rash.

"My soul loathes my life; I will give free course to my complaint, I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

I will say to God, 'Do not condemn me; Show me why You contend with me.

"Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.