[1] "Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. [2] He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. [3] And dost Thou open Thine eyes upon such a one, and bringest me into judgment with Thee? [4] Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one! [5] Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with Thee; Thou hast appointed his bounds, that he cannot pass. [6] Turn from him, that he may rest, till, as a hireling, he shall accomplish his day. [7] For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. [8] Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground, [9] yet through the scent of water it will bud and bring forth boughs like a plant. [10] But man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? [11] As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up, [12] so man lieth down and riseth not; till the heavens be no more they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. [13] "O that Thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that Thou wouldest keep me secret until Thy wrath be past; that Thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! [14] If a man die, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. [15] Thou shalt call, and I will answer Thee; Thou wilt desire the work of Thine hands. [16] For now Thou numberest my steps; dost Thou not watch over my sin? [17] My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and Thou sewest up mine iniquity. [18] And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place. [19] The waters wear away the stones; Thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth, and Thou destroyest the hope of man. [20] Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth; Thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. [21] His sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them. [22] But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn."
