Jeremiah 20:7–13
7 O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have
prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me. 8For whenever I
speak, I cry out, I shout, “Violence and destruction!” For the word of the LORD has become for
me a reproach and derision all day long.
9 If I say, “I will not mention him, or speak any more in
his name,” there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary
with holding it in, and I cannot. 10For I hear many whispering. Terror is on every side!
“Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” say all my close friends, watching for my fall. “Perhaps
he will be deceived; then we can overcome him and take our revenge on him.” 11But the LORD is
with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble; they will not overcome me.
They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never
be forgotten. 12O LORD of hosts, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me
see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause. 13Sing to the LORD;
praise the LORD! For he has delivered the life of the needy from the hand of evildoers.