[1] "People have a hard struggle on earth. Their life is like that of a hired worker. [2] They are like a slave looking for cool shade or a hired worker waiting for payday. [3] Month after frustrating month has gone by. I have suffered night after night. [4] When I lie down, I think, 'How long before it's time to get up?' The night drags on. I toss and turn until the sun comes up. [5] My skin is covered with worms and scabs. It is cracked and covered with sores. [6] "My days pass by faster than a weaver's shuttle, and my life will end without hope. [7] God, remember, my life is like a breath. I will not get a second chance to enjoy it. [8] Those who see me now will never see me again. You watch me for a while, but then I am gone. [9] Just as clouds that come and go, people are put in the grave, never to rise again. [10] They don't come back to their old homes. The people there would not know them. [11] "So I will not be quiet! I will let my suffering spirit speak! I will let my bitter soul complain! [12] Am I one of your enemies? Is that why you put a guard over me? [13] My bed should bring me comfort. My couch should give me rest and relief. [14] But when I lie down, you scare me with dreams; you frighten me with visions. [15] So I would rather be choked to death than to live like this. [16] I hate my life-I give up. I don't want to live forever. Leave me alone! My life means nothing. [17] God, why are people so important to you? Why do you even notice them? [18] Why do you visit them every morning and test them at every moment? [19] You never look away from me or leave me alone for a second. [20] You are always watching us! If I sinned, would that hurt you? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a problem for you? [21] Why don't you just pardon me for doing wrong? Why don't you just forgive me for my sins? Soon I will die and be in my grave. You will search for me, but I will be gone."
