My tears and fasts, t' afflict my soul, were turned to my shame.
When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, That was to my reproach.
When I wept and humbled myself with fasting, I was jeered at and humiliated;
I wept while I fasted— even for that I was insulted.
My zeal hath ev'n consumed me, because mine enemies Thy holy words forgotten have, and do thy laws despise.
But as for me, when they were sick, in sackcloth sad I mourn'd: My humbled soul did fast, my pray'r into my bosom turn'd.