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18 
Why has my pain been perpetual
And my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?
Will you indeed be to me like a deceptive brook
With water that is unreliable?

19 
Therefore, thus says the Lord [to Jeremiah],
“If you repent [and give up this mistaken attitude of despair and self-pity], then I will restore you [to a state of inner peace]
So that you may stand before Me [as My obedient representative];
And if you separate the precious from the worthless [examining yourself and cleansing your heart from unwarranted doubt concerning My faithfulness],
You will become My spokesman.
Let the people turn to you [and learn to value My values]—
But you, you must not turn to them [with regard for their idolatry and wickedness].
20 
“And I will make you to this people
A fortified wall of bronze;
They will fight against you,
But they will not prevail over you,
For I am with you [always] to save you
And [a]protect you,” says the Lord.

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 15:20 Lit deliver.

18 Why is my pain unending
    and my wound grievous and incurable?(A)
You are to me like a deceptive brook,
    like a spring that fails.(B)

19 Therefore this is what the Lord says:

“If you repent, I will restore you
    that you may serve(C) me;
if you utter worthy, not worthless, words,
    you will be my spokesman.(D)
Let this people turn to you,
    but you must not turn to them.
20 I will make you a wall(E) to this people,
    a fortified wall of bronze;
they will fight against you
    but will not overcome(F) you,
for I am with you
    to rescue and save you,”(G)
declares the Lord.

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