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18 Why then does my suffering continue?
    Why is my wound so incurable?
Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook,
    like a spring that has gone dry.”

19 This is how the Lord responds:

“If you return to me, I will restore you
    so you can continue to serve me.
If you speak good words rather than worthless ones,
    you will be my spokesman.
You must influence them;
    do not let them influence you!
20 They will fight against you like an attacking army,
    but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze.
They will not conquer you,
    for I am with you to protect and rescue you.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

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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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