Jeremiah 20:8-10

Modern English Version

⁸ For each time I speak, I cry out;
    I cry out, “Violence and devastation,”
because to me the word of the Lord has resulted
    in reproach and derision daily.
⁹ But if I say, “I will not make mention of Him
    nor speak any more in His name,”
then His word was in my heart
    as a burning fire shut up in my bones;
and I was weary of forbearing it,
    and I could not endure it.
¹⁰ For I heard the defaming of many,
    “Terror on every side!
    Denounce him. Yes, denounce him!”
All my familiar friends
    who watch for my fall, say,
“Perhaps he will be enticed
    so that we can prevail against him,
    and we will take our revenge on him.”