¹⁷ I didn’t sit in the company of those who have fun,
    and I didn’t rejoice.
Because of your hand on me,^[a] I sat alone,
    for you filled me with indignation.
¹⁸ Why is my pain unending and my wound incurable,
    refusing to be healed?

You are like a deceptive brook,
    whose waters cannot be depended on.
¹⁹ Therefore, this is what the Lord says:
    “If you repent, I’ll take you back
        and you will stand before me.
If you speak what is worthwhile,^[b]
    instead of what is worthless,
        then you will be my spokesman.^[c]
People^[d] will turn to you,
    but you aren’t to turn to them.