8 "I wish I could have what I'm asking for! I wish God would give me what I'm hoping for!
9 I wish he would crush me! I wish his powerful hand would cut off my life!
10 Then I'd still have one thing to comfort me. It would be that I haven't said no to the Holy One's commands. That would give me joy in spite of my pain that never ends.
11 "I'm so weak that I no longer have any hope. Things have gotten so bad that I can't wait for help anymore.
12 Am I as strong as stone? Is my body made out of bronze?
13 I don't have the power to help myself. All hope of success has been taken away from me.
14 "A man's friends should love him when his hope is gone. They should be faithful to him even if he stops showing respect for the Mighty One.