[1] "Man has a hard task on earth. His days are like those of a hired man. [2] Man is like a slave wishing for the evening shadows. Or he is like a hired man who wants his pay. [3] But I am given months that are empty. Nights of misery have been given to me. [4] When I lie down, I think, 'How long is it until I get up?' The night is long, and I toss until dawn. [5] My body is covered with worms and scabs. My skin is broken and full of running sores. [6] "My days go by faster than a weaver moves his tool. And they come to an end without hope. [7] Remember, God, that my life is only as long as a breath. My eyes will never see happy times again. [8] Those who see me now will see me no more. You will look for me, but I will be gone. [9] A cloud disappears and is gone. In the same way, a person who goes where the dead are does not return. [10] He will never come back to his house again. His place will not know him anymore. [11] "So I will not stay quiet. I will speak out in the suffering of my spirit. I will complain because I am so unhappy. [12] I am not the sea or the sea monster. So why have you set a guard over me? [13] Sometimes I think my bed will comfort me. Or I think my couch will stop my complaint. [14] Then you frighten me with dreams. You terrify me with visions. [15] My throat prefers to be choked. My bones welcome death. [16] I hate my life. I don't want to live forever. Let me alone. My days have no meaning. [17] "Why do you make man so important? Why do you give him so much attention? [18] Will you examine him every morning? Why do you test him every moment? [19] Will you never look away from me? Will you not let me alone even long enough to swallow? [20] If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you watcher of men? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a heavy load for you? [21] Why don't you pardon my wrongs and forgive my sins? I will soon lie down in the dust and die. You will search for me, but I will be no more."
