9-11 Come down hard, Lord—slit their tongues.
    I’m appalled how they’ve split the city
Into rival gangs
    prowling the alleys
Day and night spoiling for a fight,
    trash piled in the streets,
Even shopkeepers gouging and cheating
    in broad daylight.

12-14 This isn’t the neighborhood bully
    mocking me—I could take that.
This isn’t a foreign devil spitting
    invective—I could tune that out.
It’s you! We grew up together!
    You! My best friend!
Those long hours of leisure as we walked
    arm in arm, God a third party to our conversation.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Women's Devotional Bible: The Gospels
The Message Women's Devotional Bible: The Gospels
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $8.49
Save: $1.50 (15%)
The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $6.99
Save: $23.00 (77%)
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
The Message Compact, Leather-Look
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $5.99
Save: $24.00 (80%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The Message Student Bible - eBook
The Message Student Bible - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $9.00 (47%)
Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook
Pause - The Message//REMIX: A Daily Reading Bible - eBook
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $9.00 (47%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars