19 My closest friends look at me with disgust;those I loved most have turned against me.
20 My skin hangs loose on my bones;I have barely escaped with my life.
21 You are my friends! Take pity on me!The hand of God has struck me down.
22 Why must you persecute me as God does?Haven't you tormented me enough?
23 How I wish that someone would remember my wordsand record them in a book!
24 Or with a chisel carve my words in stoneand write them so that they would last for ever.
25 But I know there is someone in heavenwho will come at last to my defence.