with the kings and counselors of the earth,
who rebuilt ruined cities for themselves,

he will dwell in ruined cities,
in abandoned houses destined to become piles of rubble.

My days have slipped by;
my plans have been ruined,
even the things dear to my heart.

He tears me down on every side so that I am ruined.
He uproots my hope like a tree.

They advance as through a gaping breach;
they keep rolling in through the ruins.

Yet no one would stretch out his hand
against a ruined man
when he cries out to him for help
because of his distress.