²⁴ "Surely he won't stretch his hand against the needy, will he, especially if they cry to him in their calamity? ²⁵ Haven't I wept for the one who is going through hard times? Haven't I grieved for the needy? ²⁶ I have hoped for good, but evil came instead; I have hoped for light, but darkness came. ²⁷ I'm boiling mad inside, and I won't remain silent; the time for my affliction to confront me has arrived. ²⁸ "In growing darkness, I walked without sunlight; I stood in the congregation to cry for help. ²⁹ I've become a brother to jackals, and a friend to ostriches. ³⁰ My skin turns black all over me; and my bones seem burned from the heat. ³¹ But my harp is in mourning; my flute plays only songs for those who are weeping."