²⁵ I was young and now I am old,
    yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken^(A)
    or their children begging^(B) bread.

¹⁶ Ephraim^(A) is blighted,
    their root is withered,
    they yield no fruit.^(B)
Even if they bear children,
    I will slay^(C) their cherished offspring.”