[1] "Isn't a mortal's stay on earth difficult like a hired hand's daily work? [2] Like a slave, he longs for shade. Like a hired hand, he eagerly looks for his pay. [3] Likewise, I have been given months that are of no use, and I have inherited nights filled with misery. [4] When I lie down, I ask, 'When will I get up?' But the evening is long, and I'm exhausted from tossing about until dawn. [5] My body is covered with maggots and scabs. My skin is crusted over with sores; then they ooze. [6] My days go swifter than a weaver's shuttle. They are spent without hope. [7] Remember, my life is only a breath, and never again will my eyes see anything good. [8] The eye that watches over me will no longer see me. Your eye will look for me, but I'll be gone. [9] As a cloud fades away and disappears, so a person goes into the grave and doesn't come back again. [10] He doesn't come back home again, and his household doesn't recognize him anymore. [11] So I won't keep my mouth shut, but I will speak from the distress that is in my spirit and complain about the bitterness in my soul. [12] "Am I the sea or a sea monster that you have set a guard over me? [13] When I say, 'My couch may give me comfort. My bed may help me bear my pain,' [14] then you frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions. [15] My throat would rather be choked. My body would prefer death to these dreams. [16] I hate my life; I do not want to live forever. Leave me alone because my days are so brief. [17] "What is a mortal that you should make so much of him, that you should be concerned about him? [18] What is he that you should inspect him every morning and examine him every moment? [19] Why don't you stop looking at me long enough to let me swallow my spit? [20] If I sin, what can I possibly do to you since you insist on spying on people? Why do you make me your target? I've become a burden even to myself. [21] Why don't you forgive my disobedience and take away my sin? Soon I'll lie down in the dust. Then you will search for me, but I'll be gone!"
