But, instead, I would encourage you, and my words would bring you relief.
I also could speak as you do if you were in my place. I could make great speeches against you and shake my head at you.
“Even if I speak, my pain is not less, and if I don’t speak, it still does not go away.
I chose the way for them and was their leader. I lived like a king among his army, like a person who comforts sad people.
“They say, ‘A person’s friends should be kind to him when he is in trouble, even if he stops fearing the Almighty.’
Honest words are painful, but your arguments prove nothing.
Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help.
As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.
The sweet smell of perfume and oils is pleasant, and so is good advice from a friend.
Brothers and sisters, if someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently help make him right again. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin, too.