Now, instead of honor, disgrace, and shame! He is despised even by the lowest of society. Job’s lament shifts to God (20-26). Now, in his time of need, who stands by him (24-26)? Job has spoken of his enemies and of God; now he describes his own condition (16, 17, 28-31). His life is slipping away; he is in pain to the bone; he feels alone and forsaken. Throughout, he has longed for a friend to keep him company. And now, his only friends have become jackals and ostriches—beasts of the desert known for their offensive “language” (29).