Jeremiah 38:15
Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me? Then Jeremiah said unto Zedekiah, If I declare it unto thee, wilt thou not surely put me to death? and if I give thee counsel, wilt thou not hearken unto me?
The words are spoken in a private meeting that the king himself secretly requested in order to learn God's purpose for Jerusalem. Jeremiah hesitates to speak plainly because he fears being put to death for declaring the truth and doubts the king will heed any counsel he gives. His question lays out the danger of delivering God's message and seeks assurance that the king will both spare his life and listen.
That fear reflects Zedekiah's weakness and cowardice, for he dares not openly show faith in the prophet because he fears the disapproval of his nobles and people. He has already handed Jeremiah over to men who want him dead in order to please those in high position.